Love how this book helps kids to see that they can use the lessons they learned to help others. What a sweet book.

What a delightful book about the endless power of kindness. Kids will enjoy this positive story and love the illustrations. It is a perfect story to share or for young readers gaining confidence on their own.

I had the chance to read a preview copy of the book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers.

Hi, I really wanted to read this book and enjoy the illustrations. I had previously stated that this book would not open in my kindle. I am sorry and hope that this title was able to open for other people. Thank you for the opportunity to have read this book. Looking forward to future publications.

This is a children's book but I would recommend it to adults as well! Touches on each emotion and how to handle it in a healthy way without being preachy or boring.

The book is very good. I think its excellence book to teach kids how to express their emotions. It also teaches us that we can always relate to someone. I am a firm believer in sometimes in life we don't go through things for us but we go through them to help others. This book is a prime example of that.

This is a story that will touch your heart. Javon, a boy in fifth grade becomes a Book Buddy to Richard, a little kindergartener. He is chosen specifically by Ms. Sammons, a teacher he loves and respects. She carefully pairs Javon up with a specific special little boy in her class and of course he is happy to oblige.

"Ms. Sammons was really nice to me when I had all my troubles. She helped me get control of my anger, so I knew she was going to be proud to see I had been picked to be a Book Buddy."

When he firsts meets Richard and tries to introduce himself and break the ice, Richard barely turns his head around to acknowledge Javon's presence. He keeps his head down and is unresponsive. Was Javon up to the task of being an effective Book Buddy to Richard?

After much reflection Javon comes to the conclusion that Richard is acting very similar to how he used to behave and how kind and patient Ms. Sammons had helped him feel good about himself. Javon comes up with a plan to make this work and to turn this sad little boy into one that is happy and full of life. Will his strategies work? Can he do it?

The book teaches kids about empathy and friendship and encourages them to use the gift inside of them to help others. Everyone has a gift unique to them to share. The illustrations are beautiful and visually bring the text's message to life. This inspiring book is one of hope for all ages. It will be a lovely asset in a classroom or elementary school library.

A line from The Beatles song sums it up perfectly.... 'And in the end, the love you get is equal to the love you give,' which is a very cosmic, philosophical line. Pay it forward everyone and make the world a better place in which to live. I highly recommend this book.

It's a positive and heartwarming read about helping each other. I also really liked the illustrations and the fact that the two boys were POC as I think it's important to have diverse books.

When I started reading this book, the first line made me smile. It reminded me of those times when my little ones were thrilled about having their book buddies from the older grades spend time with them; and then later, becoming buddies to the younger ones themselves. My daughter, and my friend’s littler daughter were especially thrilled that they were buddies in school.

Well, back to the book now.

When Javon is assigned to be Richard’s book buddy, he is thrilled at the chance. But Richard does not seem to be excited about being book buddies at all. However, as Javon spends time with Richard, he sees that Richard is dealing with problems similar to his own when he(Javon) was younger. That leads him to figure out exactly how to help his little buddy – it just needs a little bit of kindness, patience, friendship, and a little ‘Luck(y)’ !

The illustrations by Susan Keeter are a perfect accompaniment to the book. I especially loved seeing Richard’s smile grow as I turned the pages.

In Summary:
This is a sweet story that shows that each one of us is vulnerable yet strong; that each one of us has special gifts we can use to help others; that in helping others, we help ourselves too; and happiness multiplies when shared.

A book that will be sure to be appreciated by those who read it.

Additional Notes:
This is a great addition for classroom libraries. Teachers can use it for classroom discussions to show kids the value of friendship and helping others. School counselors and teachers can use the book and the tips/steps provided at the back of the book to help kids find what their unique gifts are and to help kids identify their feelings and deal with them.

Reading Level: 5 – 10 years

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital review copy of ‘Your Hungry Heart’. The opinions expressed are my own.

I received an electronic copy from Independent Book Publishers Association through NetGalley.
Coping with feelings is a struggle no matter how old or young you are. Dean captures this struggle as a fifth grader gets to be a Reading Buddy and thinks back on his journey to get to this honor. His favorite kindergarten teacher pairs him with a boy who reminds him of himself at that age. He works hard to reach him and help him figure out how to handle his emotions too.
Terrific book to share with older kids looking for outlets. Demonstrates how helping someone else also helps you. The text is easy to follow and the illustrations provide context info.
Elementary Counselors can use this as one more tool for helping kids identify their feelings and not feel alone.

I love this book. What a lovely story about Javon who recognizes himself in his young reading buddy Richard. With their common ground they build a beautiful friendship.
The illustrations are lovely, bright and flow with the book. The book is a wonderful lesson on how to be kind. It’s fantastic.

I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review.