Zoe gazed into the dog’s warm, glossy eyes. Two quiet hearts beating the same.
Nine-year-old Zoe Meadows is the new kid in Ivy Creek. For homeschooled Zoe, every day starts the same: breakfast, then to the living room where Miss Ellis awaits. Only today, Zoe can’t focus—not when she notices neighborhood children playing outside, children she’s yet to meet.
Watching all this unfold, Zoe’s parents decide it’s time for a companion—the furry kind, to be precise. Everything changes when Zoe meets Hope at the dog shelter for the first time. The two girls form an inseparable bond over the following months and find in each other the one thing they both craved for a long, long time: a forever friend.
(review request submitted by the publisher for an honest critique)
Homeschooling has its pros and cons, much like any other educational path. One potential downside for homeschoolers is a lack of daily social (peer) interaction. Zoe Meadows, a sweet homeschooled nine-year-old from Ivy Creek, is showing signs that they need a friend. Their mind wanders in class, and they are caught staring out the window, watching other kids having fun together, while they sit alone with the teacher. Now, one might wonder why Zoe doesn’t go outside and play with the neighborhood kids. Problem solved, right? That would solve the loneliness and social interaction issues, but it would ruin the plot —and we wouldn’t want that! A Friend for Hope is the sweet tale of a lonely, seemingly forgotten shelter dog who finally finds their forever home, and a little girl who finds her forever friend.
There are so many animals living their days out behind a caged door. Alone. Lonely. And ready to leave the confined space behind. When Zoe and her family entered the facility, the dogs welcomed them with happy, ear-splitting barks and wagging tails. Every dog wanted the people’s attention, except one; it was this dog that caught Zoe’s attention. Why? (Read the story to discover that answer.) Anyone who loves animals, especially dogs, will be moved by how long the fluffy, quiet canine has called the shelter “home.” Adults and children will be smiling when the older dog, now named Hope, finally leaves the caged world behind.
Puppies are cute, but we must not forget that older dogs need and want love and compassion, too. A Friend for Hope illustrates this fact and paints a perfect picture of what one might expect when bringing home a sheltered animal. They, like humans, need time to adjust, to learn how to trust, and to feel safe in their new surroundings and with their new family. My heart swelled as I watched Zoe read to her new friend, and the moment Hope knew she was safe and loved. A sweet, illustrated moment that readers may have personally experienced as well.
A Friend for Hope was textually sound; however, the artwork needed refinement when presenting side profiles. The shading on the noses could also use a bit of lightening to avoid the “red and bulbous” look. Despite these minor issues, the illustrations of the shelter dogs were excellent, and the bonding scenes featuring Zoe and Hope were superb!
Whether your child(ren) are homeschooled or not, whether you prefer dogs or cats, A Friend for Hope will touch your heart and have you smiling for the happy ending. Share this heartwarming story with your children and let it inspire you to consider adopting, not shopping, for your forever friend!
Amazon recommends A Friend for Hope for readers ages 4-6. This age range is ideal for children who are just starting to read independently and/or are beginning to understand the concept of adoption and the responsibilities that come with it.
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤
Meet the Author
Amie White doesn’t just think magic exists—she knows it does. And believes the most powerful kind always comes from within. When she’s not writing, Amie often finds herself enjoying a cosy café and people-watching on the busy streets of London. She loves crafting brave heroines through her writing, teaching readers that sometimes the greatest adventures begin with inner knowing.