WOW Recommends: The Story and Science of Hope
When I came across the book entitled The Story and Science of Hope by Adrea Curtis and Ana Suárez, I immediately purchased a copy. Political divides, global wars and climate catastrophes have left me feeling devoid of hope. I had become deeply skeptical and increasingly convinced that the future offered little reason for optimism. This middle grade nonfiction book not only defines hope, but it also inspires it. This is truly a book that needs to be read today.
As the title suggests, the book provides a straightforward and scientifically based explanation of what hope is and what hope does for both individuals and societies. There is a section on the history of hope that discusses cultural symbols, mythology, philosophical perspectives, poetry and political movements based on hope. The section on the science of hope reveals how hope is measured, its location in the brain, how it is learned and its impact on health and wellbeing. There is a recognition that hope is not easy. "Hope and struggle go hand in hand" (p.25). Within this section the author explains the importance and power of hope. The book ends by encouraging readers to nurture hope and to pass it on to others. It points out the power of hope to make a difference in the future of our communities and the world. "Nothing has ever changed in the world without hopeful people coming together to act" (p. 33). Hope is revolutionary.
The back matter of the book provides a list of climate activists who have put hope into action and made a change in their communities and world. This list of global activists includes individuals from North America, South America, East Africa, Central Africa and Asia. There is also a page of suggestions for how to build hope within communities. The author provides a glossary of terms used in the book as well as sources for learning more about hope and those who are building a more hopeful future.
Ana Suárez illustrated The Story and Science of Hope. Along with being an illustrator, Ana is a high school educator and workshop leader. Ana lives in Madrid, Spain. She has illustrated several other children's books including Seven Speaks Out and El Cel Imaginit. Her illustrations in this book add beautiful and meaningful depth to the text. She conveys the feeling of hope by using vibrant bursts of color within and emerging from the illustrations on each page.
The author, Andrea Curtis, lives in Toronto, Canada. She has written several nonfiction books for young people including Loop de Loop: Circular Solutions for a Waste-Free World and a young adult novel entitled, Big Water. In the acknowledgements, Andrea recognizes Drs. Denise Larwen and Rebecca Hudson Breen, both from the University of Alberta, for assisting her in understanding Hope Theory and for providing insights for writing this book.
"The more hope you put into the world, the more you get out of it." (p. 29).--Recommended by Cynthia K. Ryman, Cal State Monterey Bay
Title: The Story and Science of Hope
Author: Andrea Curtis
Illustrator: Ana Suárez
ISBN: 9781773067315
PubDate: Oct 8, 2025
Publisher: House of Anansi Press
Each month a committee of Worlds of Words advisors recommends a book published within the last year. Our hope is to spark conversations on our website and on social media about the book that expand global understandings and perceptions. Please join us by leaving a comment. You can also share your thoughts with us by using the hashtag #WOWRecommends on social media.
