Book to Share: The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Today's featured book made me laugh out loud, cry actual tears, and think deep thoughts. I absolutely loved it. It's also a book I would never, ever have picked up as a kid. I might not even have enjoyed it, had I been forced into it. It's not because it's an adult-focused book, or one kids won't enjoy. In fact, my teenage daughter read it before I did and enjoyed every minute. It's simply because people change, and thank goodness there are books written for every step of life we take. The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, by Jennifer Choldenko, while its story might bear little resemblance to my actual life right now, was somehow, mysteriously exactly what I needed at this moment in time.

Here's the publisher's description:
When eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home, he takes care of his toddler sister, Boo, like he always does. But it’s been a week now. They are out of food and mom has never stayed away this long… Hank knows he needs help, so he and Boo seek out the stranger listed as their emergency contact.
But asking for help has consequences. It means social workers, and a new school, and having to answer questions about his mom that he's been trying to keep secret. And if they can't find his mom soon, Hank and Boo may end up in different foster homes--he could lose everything. 
Gennifer Choldenko has written a heart-wrenching, healing, and ultimately hopeful story about how complicated family can be. About how you can love someone, even when you can’t rely on them. And about the transformative power of second chances.

It's been a bit since I read a contemporary middle grade story this compelling, or with a character so completely lovable as Hank. My long-time readers know that "issue books" aren't my thing, so I will assure you that while this story touches upon many painful topics, it is not about them. It's very much a story about a boy and his relationship with his sister and his mother, as well as his own growth in understanding of himself and his worth. 

​As I mentioned, my teenage daughter read this before me and loved it—she warned me that it was serious in moments and would probably make me cry (yup), so I asked her "Are the sad moments like Gary D. Schmidt sad or Bridge to Terabithia sad?" Her answer: "Well, it's hard to say… It's more like Claire Swinarski sad."  After finishing it, I knew exactly what she meant. Hank Hooperman hit me in the gut and pulled at my heartstrings just like Claire Swinarski's middle grade books. If I was shelving books based on their vibes and the range of emotions I felt while reading them, this one would go right next to Swinarski's The Kate In Between. 

If you and your kids love books like that, this is a must-read. But if you don't usually…maybe give it a chance. Books are such wonderful ways to expand our imaginations and our empathy, to grow in understanding of people whose lives are very very different from our own but who are very very worthy of love. 

For more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations, check out Always in the Middle: http://gpattridge.com