Hope Springs

Description

A drought has settled in the area around the orphanage where Boniface lives. There are long lines at the tiny spring where people get their water, and suddenly, the orphans are pushed to the back of the line. Boniface's houseparent, Henry, tells him that the people were mean out of fear - they feared there would not be enough water for their families. When the building of the orphanage's well is completed, Boniface has an idea to help the villagers. A lovely story of kindness and heart, showing that through compassion, true generosity can spring up.

A former social worker and elementary school teacher, Eric Walters wrote his first novel, Stand Your Ground, in 1993. Since then he has written more than ninety books for children and young adults that together have won over a hundred awards. In conjunction with his writing, Eric talks to tens of thousands of students in schools and libraries across the country each year. He also founded and runs the Creation of Hope (creationofhope.com), an organization dedicated to providing care for orphans in the rural Mbooni district in Kenya. Eric has three grown children. He lives with his wife in Mississauga, Ontario.

PRAISE FOR My Name Is Blessing: "This expressive picture book, based on a real family, lovingly tells a hard story with a twist. It's difficult to broach poverty, disability and custody issues in so few pages without sounding maudlin, but Walters manages by speaking simply.... With dignity and quiet acceptance, this story illustrates that blessings, like family, can take unexpected forms." - Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews "Lyrical language is matched by expressive acrylic illustrations that capture the emotional text." - School Library Journal