Published: 2022
Author: Amanda Rawson Hill
Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Realistic Fiction, Novel In Verse, Sports, Contemporary, Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Baseball
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle Grade; Grades 4-8
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: The Hope of Elephants
Triggers: Cancer, family illness, medical trauma, genetic conditions (Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
Review By: Sue Kowalski
Publisher’s Summary:
An inspiring coming-of-age novel in verse about weathering the uncertainty that comes with family illness perfect for fans of Starfish and Red, White, and Whole.
Cass and her parents haven’t let her dad’s cancer stop them from having a good life—full of love and poems and one annual World Series game. Now that Dad’s cancer is back, Cass overhears the doctor say that she has a 50% chance of inheriting her dad’s genetic mutation, Li-Fraumeni syndrome. There’s a genetic test Cass can take that will tell her for sure. There’s still so much she wants to do—play baseball, study at the zoo, travel the world with her best friend, Jayla. Would it be better not to know? When it turns out Dad’s cancer is worse this time, Cass is determined to keep up their World Series tradition while navigating all the change and uncertainty that lies ahead. Poignant and powerful, Cass’s story brings the pains and anxiety linked with illness to the surface, and reminds us that sometimes hope is worth holding on to.
Review:
I chose this quickly based on the cover. Like many readers might do, I spotted a bright yellow cover, green grass, the word HOPE, baseball, and even origami. With little investigation, I hunkered down to treat myself to a story in verse riddled with hope. Well, HOPE is everywhere. The story also tugs at the heartstrings as Cass manages dad’s cancer diagnosis and has for many years. I found it a beautiful treatment of the father-daughter bond and enjoyed the creative way reflection was embedded as Cass made tough decisions. I think a student who picks this based on the baseball theme will be disappointed as it’s a backdrop, but not the key subject. Like any book that “gets real,” it may or may not work for a reader depending on how much it hit home. Personally, I struggled with the book for that reason based on the timing of when I read it. Not a judgment of the book, but a message to remember that sometimes real is affirming and other times it is triggering; it’s up to the reader to decide.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- English Language Arts / Literature (Novel in Verse & Formatting Structure): This book provides an excellent opportunity for middle-grade students to evaluate structural narrative devices. Teachers can use this text to show how writing in verse utilizes pacing, spacing, and concise wording to capture intense grief, anxiety, and internal reflection far more directly than traditional prose.
- Science / Health (Genetics & Inherited Conditions): Centering on Cass’s discovery of her 50% risk of inheriting Li-Fraumeni syndrome, the novel can be woven into middle school science or health units. Students can discuss genetic mutations, medical testing ethics, and how families navigate chronic hereditary illnesses.
- Social-Emotional Learning (Anticipatory Grief & Coping Mechanisms): The story acts as a profound anchor for SEL discussions around family health crises. Educators can guide students to analyze how Cass processes fear and uncertainty while trying to maintain normal routines, establishing frameworks for building resilience and empathy.
Readalikes:
- Starfish by Lisa Fipps
- Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
- The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling
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