A Journey of Hope: Two Stories, One Wish

Today I have the honor of sharing a new middle grade book: A Journey of Hope: Two Stories, One wish by author Nancy Fenelon. This book is directly speaking to the hope that is a child’s wonderful imagination. Similar to A Bridge to Terebithia, children will learn the important lesson of maintaining confidence in who they are and who they are meant to be.

Despite circumstances, hardship, and life’s difficult choices, this book is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement to show two young boys a world apart who find joy and beauty in life’s simple moments.

Bonus: Scroll to the end to enter the book giveaway. 

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own.

A child sees magic because they look for it.—Christopher Moore

A Journey of Hope Book Summary

Two young boys, two lives; a continent apart. Both with the same simple wish. A Journey of Hope: Two stories, One Wish, is the story of Kye, a young African boy whose mind is filled with imagination and hope despite the fear and everyday struggles he faces. In contrast, another boy half a world away who learns the important lesson of who he is when he is given a special gift by his father.

Through two sets of eyes, continents apart, but with striking similarities in the way each of them sees the world around them. We learn and discover with both boys about what the important things in life really are. Furthermore, we learn how to find them in places that may seem unlikely at first glance.

Imagination Brings Hope

In my own international school experiences, I have seen with my own eyes how interconnected the world is from the viewpoint of a child’s imagination. Struggle is not limited by geography. The world may be separated by borders and driven by money. However, the author has wonderfully woven the currency of hope in this book.

Own voices author Nancy Fenelon has written a love letter to children from all over the world. From a West African village to middle class America, A Journey of Hope wishes and dreams of children are based on love and not location. I love the sprinkling of culture and tradition within the story lines.

Children will have their tastebuds tantalized as Kye enjoys a plate of a Fufu, a traditional West African dish.  Then in turn, they can feel the overwhelming anticipation of opening a birthday gift. A day in the life with both of these boys will show the loss, discovery, and how a boundless imagination can turn any situation into something beautiful.

The Significance of Hope

As teachers, we hope that children become critical thinkers. However, this book reminds us that children see the world as a paradise. The simple act of climbing a tree and wishing on a leaf can remind us all that dreams come true and everything is possible.

Most noteworthy, the message of this books is fueled by inequality and injustice. It is sure to touch every young Black male at some point in their life. However, through her book she hopes to instill pride in young black boys and that there is indeed hope in change.

A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities. ~ J. R. R. Tolkien

About the Author

Nancy Fenelon has been an educator for over 15 years. She has taught Pre K-4th grade in the United States as well as overseas as an International school teacher.

Writing has always been Nancy’s passion and A Journey of Hope is her first children’s book. Additionally, Nancy is a playwright and winner of the 2018 Audience Choice Award at The BlackLady Theater.

Currently, Nancy is working on additional plays and books for children. She is also developing a resource guide so that A Journey of Hope can be used in the classroom as a mentor text.

Connect with Nancy on Instagram| Goodreads.

Purchase A Journey of Hope on Amazon |Shop your local indie bookstore.

Read on for other book reviews on Biracial Bookworms.

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*Winner will receive an autographed and personalized copy of A Journey of Hope. US shipping addresses only.