Untangling Hope

“Sometimes you have to piece your family together.” Hope, a determined eleven-year-old, lands in her seventh foster home in three years. The foster lady seems okay and she has an adorable, rescue dog that actually smiles. But Hope’s not betting on this placement lasting. Besides, Hope doesn’t need a new family. After all, her dad’s just doing a little time in jail. Hope tries to hide her foster status at the new middle school. But her brain gets tangled up as she finds herself getting drawn into real friendships and discovering a love for cross-country running, all the while plotting a daring, secret plan to live with a distant cousin until her dad is released. Untangling Hope is a contemporary Middle Grade novel with a refreshingly honest portrayal of foster care. This grace-filled, coming-of-age story is a journey of loss, resilience, and healing. Praise for Untangling Hope — “…extremely moving… Stein’s depiction of the ways loving people can help and support children in foster care is both educational and heartening. The story has the outlines of a fairy tale, but it’s not too sweet–nobody here is perfect.” Kirkus Reviews Hope, Ruby, Samantha, and the cast of characters Johnna has created will give any reader the best kind of company- they will entertain, challenge and encourage. Untangling Hope tells the story of a foster child with heart and authenticity. I am grateful this kind of story is being told, and regardless if you are familiar with these settings or not, you’ll find yourself identifying with the thoughts and feelings of Hope- who just wants to know where she belongs. Beth Guckenberger, author, speaker, Co-Executive Director, Back2Back Ministries Finally, a story that captures the unique relational aspects of foster care. Johnna does an incredible job of capturing the many complicated and multi-faceted relational aspects of foster care. The first chapter sheds light on the love, care and grace the foster mom extends to the teen as she first arrives. In the professional world, counselors working with children who have experienced trauma desire first and foremost for caregivers to work towards a state of calm as they care for and set boundaries with the children in their care. Untangling Hope shows how this is done while providing space for the imperfect journey of both the caregiver and teen. Untangling Hope allows the reader to experience a story with unique insight into the mindset of a child in foster care and a caregiver who figures out how to navigate this world best. I highly recommend! Cindy R. Lee, LCSW, Executive Director of The HALO Project An unforgettable journey of resilience and discovery. Eleven-year-old Hope must navigate the confusing maze of the foster care system, where every twist and turn is a test of her courage and determination. Still, Hope clings to the belief that something better lies just beyond every corner. All she needs is a phone of her own, and she can begin to reconnect the dots of her shattered life. Hope’s path takes an unexpected turn when she meets a foster mom who’s kind and caring, with an adorable pup named Ruby who becomes her loyal friend in this challenging journey. Hope soon learns that navigating new friendships is a tricky business, too. People aren’t always what they seem, and Hope must learn to trust her instincts. Can she ever recapture the life she once knew? Follow Hope’s journey as she unravels life’s most precious lessons. “Untangling Hope” is a poignant tale that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, love will light the way. Ginger Garrett, author of Name Tags and Other Sixth Grade Disasters (Carol Rhoda Press/Lerner) and The Last Monster (Delacorte/Random House)