The importance of high marks is held in high regard within some households. I know when I was a kid, anything lower than a B was unacceptable. What this generation has now are parents that want to connect with their children and encourage them to do their best. Holly didn’t understand what hope meant to her. Holly’s mother spent time with her to explain what hope meant to her in the past.

The two best parts of this book was Holly’s mother sharing her past failures in an attempt to show Holly it’s ok to fail at certain things sometimes. I also enjoyed the use of the word, “eventually.” Things don’t happen immediately. It’s important to learn that as young as possible. But although things aren’t immediate, they are still possible. Holly learned that she will eventually achieve her goal as long as she puts in the necessary work.

I think this book is great for children to read and get a grasp on how HOPE can be a great tool in achieving what your goals.

Holly is in a pickle. She has a big test tomorrow so she hopes and wishes for a good grade.

In “Hope! More than Wishful Thinking” this strategy doesn’t work out. Holly’s mom notices that she is upset and gently explains that preparing for a test takes more than hope and wishful thinking. It takes HOPE. Holly learns that with Hard Work, Optimism, and Perseverance she will Eventually get difficult concepts and be successful on any exams she might take. Author Gina Prosch and illustrator Kyle Merriman tell a delightful story of building resilience in children.

The afterword contains useful tips for adults to help kids learn to HOPE.

Classroom considerations: I used this acronym to start a conversation with my high school students about their study habits. It’s a great way to think about what works and what doesn’t when preparing for tests.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Boys Town Press Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This title should not hold merit or space on any shelf that’s looking to racially diversify due to the author’s whitewashed perspective on Latina culture. The only affiliation that hints to Holly's Latina culture is a stereotypical taco Tuesday night. Furthermore, illustrations literally put white kids on one side of the room with kids of color on the other, (pg. 12). If Boys Town Press is looking to racially diversify their titles, try including authors who are of the racial profile that is being represented.

This book covers important subjects such as hope, hard work and perseverance.

The illustrations are bright and colourful and inclusive

Love the message that the author is conveying. It’s important that children learn to be passive learners. It’s ok to hope but they need to work hard to succeed in life. The illustrations are incredible. Can’t wait to read this with my nieces and nephews.

A great lesson. Holly learns that just because you hope for something doesn’t mean you don’t have to put in the work to achieve it. Holly is a sweet girl in grade school. She and her Mom have a great relationship. The illustrations were amazing. Highly recommend.

This had some beautiful illustrations. I loved the message to the parents and readers. Also the message was powerful but written so cute and funny

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this! it's cute, funny and educating. I really liked the art, it was BEAUTIFUL and I liked the poster idea, the communication and the tips for parents and educators.

Thank you, Boys Town Press Publishing, for the advance reading copy.

I would recommend this book for the young ones who have started attending school. Most times we adult seem to forget that the kids are taking time to understand what they are learning even for things which seem quite easy to us.

This book will help us remind that different kids face different challenges in learning different concepts and taking in information that are taught in school.

I find the discussion, the concept and the way the characters communicate with each other really helpful.

There’s a lot to learn specially for parents and teachers when their child starts learning.

The illustrations are so well done too!

A cute story full of bright & colourful images, super engaging. I also loved the addition of text messages, it broke the story up & added a new depth - very interesting.

Life lessons can be hard but are so important. Hard work is hard. This book shows that in order to do well you have to work hard. Holly learns this lesson the hard way but once she learned it, she will remember it forever! This book should be on every book shelf!

This was a really cute read with a very important message about having H-O-P-E when all you want to do is wish for things to happen. Loved seeing the poster they made and the colours this book has is stunning. I would recommend this to anyone with little children.

Wonderful story that provides a great message. Will be sharing this with my littles so they can learn that H-O-P-E is more than just crossing their fingers.

This was such a cute and beautifully illustrated children’s book! I loved the values it expressed. It’s okay for things to be hard or for kids not to get it right away, and I loved that this book embraced that concept and provided a helpful path to overcome any perceived failure via H.O.P.E!

I’m really impressed by the books published by Boys Town Press! This one helps a young girl (and readers) understand how to turn wishful thinking into actual success. The mother shows a terrific HOPE poster explaining how hard work added to optimism results in school success. Preparing for tests takes more than just hoping for a good grade.