1. Title: A Drop of Hopeby Keith Calabrese, 9781338233209- Scholastic Inc., New York, 2019, $16.99, 305 pp.
2. Genre: Realistic Fiction
3. Characters: The main characters are three sixth graders from the town of Cliffs Donnelly, OH and include: Ernest Wilmette, Ryan Hardy, and Lizzy MacComber. Ernest, the kind son of the town’s factory owner, lives in the largest, nicest house in town. He knows the feeling of loneliness all too well and often feels everyone around him, especially his parents, consider him too young or naïve to be a part of the important conversations. Ryan Hardy already knows what it is like to have part of the world’s weight on his shoulders, which might make him seem a little  pessimistic at times. He is very responsible and already has his own lawn mowing business and is on the football team. Ryan’s old friend Lizzy MacComber is very mature and known as the smartest girl in the sixth grade but is beginning to feel the pressure of putting more attention towards her outward appearance. Two other sixth graders play a large role in the story, Tommy Bricks and Winston Patil. Tommy is known as the school bully; even upperclassmen don’t mess with him. His father is a mean alcoholic who has caused Tommy to learn being tough is sometimes the only way to survive. Winston Patil is the target of bullying from Tommy Bricks. He is a very talented artist; he does not spend time with his peers and often feels his different cultural background makes his peers misunderstand and avoid him.  Among the young characters, there are important adult characters as well. Mrs. Haemmerle is Ryan’s widowed neighbor who is seemingly starting to forget things but knows much more than she lets on; she is generous and caring. Mr. Earle is their English teacher who inspires them and makes them laugh. 
4. Plot:  The story begins with Ernest searching his dead grandfather’s attic to fulfill a promise. Back at school, Tommy Bricks is seen antagonizing Winston Patil by taking his artwork and threatening to rip it to shreds. Small Ernest stands up for Winston, which causes Ryan to stand up for him, only because he knows his dad would be furious if he found out he let the boss’s son get hurt. Ryan and Ernest run into the woods, so Earnest can get home safely. It is there that they find the “magical” Thompkins Well. Mr. Earle was telling them about in English class. Exploring inside the well leads them to eavesdrop on Winston’s wish of finding one friend at school. His wish seems to be granted when none other than Tommy Bricks befriends him. This one seemingly answered wish drives Winston to continue listening to others’ wishes from the well; Ryan once again becomes an involuntary participant in the situation Ernest has gotten himself into. Lizzy also becomes wrapped up in the wishing well project. Soon, the three kids find they are a part of something bringing hope that was lost decades before in the town of Cliffs Donnelly. Mrs. Haemmerle begins helping Ernest discover more about his family’s past. It seems magic has to somehow be involved when a diamond from 1952 is finally found in his grandfather’s attic. It seems that the magic well has done its job, but the town’s current issues are only beginning. The factory is about to close, and many of the town’s people are going to lose their jobs. Then, tragedy almost strikes when one of the boys has a near death experience. Luckily, friendship saves the day.  In the end, the factory is saved, and hope is brought back to the town of Cliffs Donnelly.
5. Touchy areas: Alcohol is present certain times throughout the story. Also, detailed descriptions of death and abuse occur in the book.  

6.Related Titles: Wish by Barbara O’Connor, Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea,  The Seventh Most Important Thing  by Shelley Pearsall

1. Movies: Wonder (2017)  Pay it Forward (2000), Well Wishes (2015)                                          Music: “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars (2010) “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer (2006) .                                                                                                                                                      Poem: “Hope”-is the thing with feathers” -(314) by Emily Dickinson, “Wealth” by Langston Hughes                                                                                                                                                     Classic work: The Secret Gardenby Frances Hodgson Burnett                                                                Art: Small Acts of Kindness by Gabby Heller 
2. Evaluation: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The third person omniscient point of view allows readers to see the same situations through different character perspectives. I think it would be a very fitting class read for middle school, especially sixth and seventh graders since the characters are around this age. This novel could lead to building empathy through in-class discussions centered around the reading. The story represents the truth that everyone is going through tough situations that others may know nothing about. Another topic brought up is childhood trauma, which is very real and prevalent among our middle schools.  Overall, it could be a very influential class read that shows the power students hold with their small acts of kindness. I give this an 8/10.                                                                                                                          Reviewed by: Audra Benn