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It seems that a few minutes of the daily news broadcast are all it takes these days to ruin a perfectly good mood. But the small-town charm and heartwarming message of A Drop of Hope by author Keith Calabrese is sure to bring that warm, fuzzy feeling right back.
The story follows a trio of unlikely friends as they bring a little happiness to their small town. It all starts with a story told by sixth-grade teacher Mr. Earle about Tomkins Well—an old well that’s believed to grant wishes. Inspired by Mr. Earle’s story, kids begin making their way to the well to make their own wishes. And the strangest thing happens: those wishes start coming true in unexpected ways—with a little bit of help from three kids and an attic full of old toys.
A Drop of Hope is a sweet, lovable novel that’s filled with pleasant surprises. The town of Cliffs Donnelly, Ohio, isn’t a bustling, thriving city. It’s a small town that depends mostly on one business—a business that’s rumored to be in trouble. It’s a town that could definitely use a little magic—and that’s exactly what it gets when awkward young Ernest Wilmette starts cleaning out his late grandfather’s attic and accidentally brings joy to so many lives. An art set, a stuffed toy, and even an old fire extinguisher somehow help the town’s residents find just what they need at just the right time.
That’s not to say, though, that this is always a bright, cheery, fluffy read, where one little thing changes everything for everyone, and they all live happily ever after. It’s an honest story about lifelike characters who face real challenges. The people of this town have their share of struggles—like Tommy Bricks, the former bully who manages to find an escape from a troubled home life with help from a new friend. Life isn’t perfect for Tommy, but the story shows how one small kindness—or just one new friend—can turn around a person’s whole outlook on life. That leads to another kindness…and another…until it becomes contagious. And as these average kids—the quiet, lonely kid, the jock from the wrong side of town, and the brainy, insecure girl—reach out to help their community, readers will realize that you don’t have to be rich or important or even grown up to make a difference in someone’s life.
With its lovable characters and its small-town charm, A Drop of Hope is a moving and thoughtful novel for young readers. It may not be an action-packed read, but it’s one that will remind readers (both young and not-so-young) of the value of kindness.
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