The Story and Science of Hope

Hope is more than a feeling — it can change the world! Discover how new science and ancient knowledge can help us face an uncertain world. All over the world, kids are struggling with grief, anxiety and fear about the climate crisis, war, and a future that seems out of their control. Sometimes it’s hard to have hope – but hope may be the one thing that can change the world! Modern researchers – called Hope Theorists – are helping us to understand that we can use hope to improve our own lives and those of our neighbors, friends and even the planet. The Story and Science of Hope is an illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers that weaves together ancient history with surprising new scientific research showing hope is more than a feeling — it’s essential for our well-being. People who are high in hope are happier and healthier, they live longer, do better in school and have stronger friendships. Learn the history of hope, how it can be measured, learned and practiced — even where you can find hope in your brain (spoiler: it’s the bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex, above your eyes and a few centimetres inside your brain)! Backmatter includes real-world examples of hopeful environmental activists and a list of ways that kids can cultivate hope, as well as a glossary of unfamiliar terms, sources and further reading. Key Text Features illustrations definitions facts further information further reading glossary headings historical context Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2 Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to sup