A Boy’s Battle for Family: Gennifer Choldenko’s Gripping Tale of Survival and Hope
In Hank, Newbery-Honor-winner Gennifer Choldenko delivers a powerful and emotionally charged story that will tug at readers’ hearts. When eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home, he bravely steps up to care for his toddler sister, Boo, despite his growing fears. But after a week with no food and no sign of their mother, Hank must face a harsh reality—asking for help. Choldenko masterfully draws readers into Hank’s world, where love, fear, and resilience collide as he navigates the frightening unknown of social workers, new schools, and the terrifying prospect of being separated from his sister.
Choldenko’s narrative shines as a poignant exploration of the complexities of family and the vulnerability of childhood. Readers will find themselves rooting for Hank as he battles to hold his family together, wrestling with secrets and a heartbreaking loyalty to his mother. With deep emotional stakes and a thread of hope woven through Hank’s journey, this gripping tale reminds us of the power of second chances, healing, and the enduring strength of love.
