Untangling Hope

by Johnna Stein

“Sometimes you have to piece your family together.”

Hope, a determined eleven-year-old, lands in her seventh foster home in three years. The foster lady seems okay and she has an adorable, rescue dog that actually smiles. But Hope’s not betting on this placement lasting. Besides, Hope doesn’t need a new family. After all, her dad's just doing a little time in jail.

Hope tries to hide her foster status at the new middle school. But her brain gets tangled up as she finds herself getting drawn into real friendships and discovering a love for cross-country running, all the while plotting a daring, secret plan to live with a distant cousin until her dad is released.

Untangling Hope is a contemporary Middle Grade novel with a refreshingly honest portrayal of foster care. This grace-filled, coming-of-age story is a journey of loss, resilience, and healing.


Praise for Untangling Hope --
Hope, Ruby, Samantha, and the cast of characters Johnna has created will give any reader the best kind of company- they will entertain, challenge and encourage. Untangling Hope tells the story of a foster child with heart and authenticity. I am grateful this kind of story is being told, and regardless if you are familiar with these settings or not, you'll find yourself identifying with the thoughts and feelings of Hope- who just wants to know where she belongs.

Beth Guckenberger, author, speaker, Co-Executive Director, Back2Back Ministries


Finally, a story that captures the unique relational aspects of foster care.

Johnna does an incredible job of capturing the many complicated and multi-faceted relational aspects of foster care. The first chapter sheds light on the love, care and grace the foster mom extends to the teen as she first arrives. In the professional world, counselors working with children who have experienced trauma desire first and foremost for caregivers to work towards a state of calm as they care for and set boundaries with the children in their care. Untangling Hope shows how this is done while providing space for the imperfect journey of both the caregiver and teen. Untangling Hope allows the reader to experience a story with unique insight into the mindset of a child in foster care and a caregiver who figures out how to navigate this world best. I highly recommend!

Cindy R. Lee, LCSW, Executive Director of The HALO Project


An unforgettable journey of resilience and discovery. Eleven-year-old Hope must navigate the confusing maze of the foster care system, where every twist and turn is a test of her courage and determination. Still, Hope clings to the belief that something better lies just beyond every corner. All she needs is a phone of her own, and she can begin to reconnect the dots of her shattered life.

Hope's path takes an unexpected turn when she meets a foster mom who's kind and caring, with an adorable pup named Ruby who becomes her loyal friend in this challenging journey.

Hope soon learns that navigating new friendships is a tricky business, too. People aren't always what they seem, and Hope must learn to trust her instincts. Can she ever recapture the life she once knew?

Follow Hope’s journey as she unravels life's most precious lessons. “Untangling Hope” is a poignant tale that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, love will light the way.

Genres: Fostering, Childrens

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2024

About the author

Johnna loves reading, writing, kids, and dogs, and she especially likes rooting for and writing about underdogs. She and her Dutch husband, Frank, have cared for more than 30 “bonus kids,” aged newborn to 19, who have lived in their home for anywhere from 24 hours to 2.5 years. They always try to have a bed available for someone who needs a soft place to land.

Johnna serves as the VP of Training with Promise686, helping to create resources to serve vulnerable children and families, and wholeheartedly believes all kids deserve safe, strong, and well-supported families.

Pronunciation: JOHN-nuh Stīne (rhymes with fine)

Reviews

[Shari King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book!! You easily get caught up in the characters and want it to end in a good way for Hope. I loved all the details and experiences of both the foster mom & Hope. I especially loved how relatable each character was - no perfect ones just like in real life. And it’s also nice how it ends - kind of leaving it open which is very typical for families around these situations!

[Julia 🍓 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Untangling Hope" was an incredible story about a young girl navigating the foster system. Before reading this book, I knew little about the foster care system. After finishing it, it opened my eyes to the struggles and emotions that the process brings. Samantha quickly became one of my favorite characters, as she was kind, patient, and understanding. I had so many emotions for Hope as I was reading and found myself only wanting the best for her, and feeling each disappointment and joy when she did. It is worth a read - at any age - and will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, right along with Hope.

[Diane Hija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart-warming story told with sensitivity. Johnna Stein in her 1st work, has developed an enjoyable Young Adult read around the theme of vulnerable children. Woven through the scenes of a good plot, the author exposes issues of societal injustices. Through the main character, Hope, we follow the foster systems successes and failures. A pleasure to

[Caroline Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST READ! This is such a great book for children in care as it illustrates Hope’s journey through foster care in an age appropriate way. Truly can’t say enough good things about it and finished it in about a day and a half!

[Brenda Lowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story full of hope, love, and belonging. I learned so much about foster care I didn’t know before. The characters are beautifully drawn and I fell in love with them. Heartwarming and hug-worthy. I loved this book!

[J. Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and realistic, yet beautifully hopeful, portrayal of foster care.

I always screen books before sharing them with the kiddos in my life and I devoured this novel in two days. It’s very well-written, engaging, and populated with interesting, believable characters. The ending (no spoilers here!) was satisfying in its willingness to not tie a perfect bow on a tough situation, while still infusing it with hope.

The discussion questions included at the end are great too. With the questions this book might raise for young readers around foster care, I imagine these tools could lead to thoughtful conversations both at home and in a classroom setting.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is on her way to yet another foster home. But she's fine: she has a plan. Only, every time she's on the verge of something important, things seem to get tangled up inside. This should be the time her secret exit plan really works, but sometimes finding family is a complicated journey.

This beautiful story captures some of the difficult but also some of the wonderful things that can happen when complete strangers offer to make a displaced child a part of their family. I love being able to walk with Hope as she navigates her emotions and decides what it means to be loved.

[Juli Wisotsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into the world of children placed in foster care. Shares great tips for calming down and language to use when talking to children who have been through hard times. These are woven into a compelling story so they are just “caught” rather than “taught” which is a perfect way to share them. Johnna has created lovable characters who are relatable and placed them in a story that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens. I read this as an adult but it is probably a good book for upper middle school and higher.

[Jan Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well-written book that reveals the many struggles children in foster care experience. Even though I’m not in the target middle-grade audience, Hope’s story is incredibly compelling and I couldn’t put the book down. A very accessible and honest read that I finished in a single evening. For those wanting to learn more about foster care or to open up a conversation with their children about foster care, this is a must read.

Note: received an ARC of this book.

[Kearstin Criswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a missing book in our library. I love the way the author shares complexities that foster kids face. Being able to read the inner dialogue of Hope gives a glimpse of what kids in foster care may experience. As a foster mama, I was able to learn more about their experience and ways in which I can respond! I think this book would also be equipping for middle grades to prepare them for having friends that are in care. I already bought a copy to donate to my foster closet!

[Lesley B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book to show the real life struggles many children face in their life. Stein does a great job showing all of the sides of a foster child and how they put on a different face in different places, so the world doesn’t know their truth. Beautiful story. I would love to see how Hope continues to grow.

[Jean R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Hope is so well done that it keeps you engaged and wanting to know what happens! The win is in addition to that and seeing what foster care is like through the eyes of a child she does a fabulous job of how best to respond to children from hard places, while written for 9-13 I recommend for anyone!

[Cathy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age from Johnna Stein! She's such a pro at capturing the voice of her 11-year-old protagonist and grabbing the reader, heart and soul. An honest and insightful look into the world of foster care but even more, an inspiring story of a young girl on the precipice of discovery.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story of Hope and how it gives the reader insight into Foster Care. As a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, I wish more would read it and jump in using your spiritual gifts to help facilitate change!!

Thank you Johnna for writing this sweet story!!

[Judy R. Delany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

This book really provides a glimpse into the complicated and difficult life of children in foster care and the incredible difference a loving home can make.

[Annelies Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book!! And a debut no less!!

I was so curious to read it and it exceeded my expectations: it gave such insight into what it must be like for foster kids.

But first things first – it really is a fun and easy read, recognisable for kids that age and with a good sense of humour. What I hadn’t expected was the layer underneath - how this book was going to reveal a little of how hard it must be for a child to be in foster care. Even when they end up in a good, loving home, there is still that sense of shame about being a foster kid at school. Not knowing if the kids will accept you as one of theirs. And all the stuff these kids already have been through, to get to this point in the first place. Never mind the added trauma if they end up in a home that is not suitable for them, or simply not caring.

I was struck by how much the main character was on her guard, the whole time. About everything she said and did, both at school as well as at home, always concerned she might have blown it. How exhausting that must be, not to have that basic foundation of knowing you belong, of never being sure if you can trust this person to put up with not just your ups but also your downs. And when changing family, having to learn all over again what the (unwritten) rules and expectations of this new household are. It’s like they’re walking on egg shells, the whole time. And the heartbreak of when disappointing things happen, like when a visit to a parent is cancelled last minute.

It is crystal clear the author knows what she’s talking about. Later on in the book it is revealed that she and her husband themselves have actually fostered over 30 kids! That experience, knowing what it’s like for both the child, the parent and the foster parent, clearly shows through.

All in all I thoroughly recommend this book. It is worth reading together with your child. Not necessarily because they couldn’t read it by themselves, but because it is worth having a chat with them about what it must be like to be in foster care. And how important it is to make any foster children in the area feel welcomed and included.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this little gem on a Saturday morning and had trouble putting it down. Over the course of the day, I kept returning to it, determined to know what would come of Hope and her foster care journey. And, yes, I finished it one day!

The story follows Hope, an eleven-year-old girl who is bouncing around the foster care system after experiencing some heartbreaking familial loss. The book provides an insightful look into the experiences of a child in foster care, including her struggle to feel safe, trust others, and connect with her caregiver, her shame over the stigma of foster care with friends, her emotional turmoil that comes with thinking about her biological parents, and more. At the beginning of the book, it's clear that Hope has had some poor experiences with foster parents, but her seventh foster parent proves to be a positive influence on her life.

After a well-developed start, the book resolves itself a bit too quickly for me, but I still give it five stars. I've yet to read a book in its class as captivating and moving as Untangling Hope. It's a captivating and emotional story I would recommend to anyone - from tweens to adults - who want to better understand the experiences of children, families, and professionals impacted by the foster care system.

[Lindie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has previously fostered and has previously worked in the foster care space, I think this book is a refreshingly honest story from Johnna Stein, who herself is immersed in this work. Johnna gives readers a glimpse of what foster care really looks like from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl. Readers, be prepared for the ups and downs that will accompany this page-turner. Even if life happens to pull you away, you'll want to come back to find out exactly how Hope gets untangled.

Synopsis:
Hope has big emotions, complex trauma, and is trying to figure out how she fits into the world. All she needs is a cell phone! Along the way, she meets Samantha, the woman who is caring for her (foster mom). She also meets exuberant Sawyer, a neighbor who may just turn into a lifelong friend and Jared, her new running buddy in cross country. But will she ever be able to contact her cousin, celebrity Baylee James, and live with her in California?

Note: I received an ARC of this book but all my opinions are my own and this really is a wonderful story.

#UntanglingHope! #booklaunch #fostercare #middlegradebooks #middlegradebookstagram

[Sherri Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child wants to belong. Children in foster care often struggle with this when all too often there are a series of homes they must adjust to. Untangling Hope brilliantly portrays this struggle and its resolution. This book was an engaging story of very believable characters navigating the waters of what it means to be a family to a child who cannot be with their family of origin. As a former guardian ad litem, I recognize children I have worked for in the character of Hope. I admire Samantha for stepping out of her comfort zone to receive an older child. The world needs more trauma informed caregivers like Samantha. For anyone working with children in foster care or thinking of becoming a foster parent, this is a must read. Once you read it, you will want to put it into the hands of every young person you work with or receive into your home. Even if you never become a foster parent, let your children read this book to see how to be a good friend.Untangling Hope

[Judy Victory · Rating 5 out of 5]

After surviving years of unhealthy situations and grief, Hope is finally placed into a healthy foster home and allows us to watch her untangle her many emotions and trust issues as she is surrounded by a supportive environment and caregiver. Hope, at 11 years old has created systems of defense and survival that have worked to keep her safe, and allows the reader to experience firsthand the many complexities that a child with trauma must navigate on a daily basis.

The author did a fantastic job of navigating tricky topics with care and discretion, allowing this to be appropriate for readers of all ages. After reading it myself in two days (I could not put it down!), I read it out loud to my 10 year old niece; she has a good friend in her class who is in foster care and it opened up the opportunity for us to discuss how to be a compassionate friend. The book does a great job of exploring Hope's relationships with the other children her age and Sawyer's friendship to Hope is so vibrantly told!

This is a must read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading Untangling Hope by Johnna Stein. As a parent of teenagers, I was excited to read a book focused towards teens who have experienced foster care or are at risk of entering foster care. As a former middle school Language Arts teacher, I have read a lot of books written at this level in various genres.

I did not expect to so quickly feel connected to Hope, Samantha, and Ruby. From the first chapter, I was hooked. Books about hard subjects can sometimes be too idealistic and falsely positive, to the point that they are inauthentic. Books can also be unnecessarily crass and disturbing, to the point that the reader feels manipulated. Untangling Hope is a book that does not fall into either of these extremes- it is genuine, honest about hard thing, and honoring of the lovely things. The book felt honest, graceful, and refreshing. This book will help you understand the teens you love so you can be a safe and encouraging person in their lives. Highly recommend this book. I ordered another copy and look forward to passing it along to a friend.

[Sue Holleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope prevails! This debut novel is all about those forgotten children in our systems. Johnna provides them with a face and a very appropriate name.
The book is written for young adults, easy to read, easy to be in Hope’s world but written with ‘old fashioned’ values …. No harsh swearing or negativity! As an adult the book provides insights into the life of a foster child. We see through the eyes of a child, what it must be like to be alone in the world, to make difficult decisions, to always deal with the uncertainty of where she belongs and keeping her true self contained (just in case!). I found myself rooting for Hope that she and Samantha would be able to continue together, they have a lovely bond!
This book shows how foster care should be: warm, loving, respectful and hopeful despite the challenges. Here’s praying that many children may find themselves in this type of care!
Well done Johnna for writing a lovely story, but more importantly pulling back the curtain and sharing foster care with us!

[Connor McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untangling Hope take you into the heart and mind of a child making sense of the ever changing world around them.

You won’t want to put down this story as you connect with Hope, who just wants to belong.

If only every child in foster care could experience the warmth, grace, and patience of care offered through the charming advocates and caregivers Hope meets in this odd new chapter of her journey.

There’s no simple path in foster care for anyone involved. Your heart will swell for Hope as she navigates living in the in between of both joy and grief, comfort and loss.

Untangling Hope opens our eyes to the humanity behind every child and caregiver, as we all seek to be known, loved, and cherished. Don’t pass up this sweet story.

[Mark Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the kind of book I normally go for and it's also not a world with which I am familiar. However, Untangling Hope was completely accessible to me. More than that, it's a fascinating glimpse into the world of foster care through the child's eyes. The story showed me both the struggles and the joys that can occur in that world. And it gripped me: I was keen to see how Hope and Samantha would adjust to their new life and how they would cope with the unexpected twist in the narrative. I was surprised how emotionally invested I became in the outcome of the characters!

Highly recommended to anyone who wants better to understand the life of a foster child or who just loves a great story!

[Kelly Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnna does an amazing job of bringing us close to the amazing story of a resilient and brave girl, Hope, who is in foster care, while teaching us about the many heroes she encounters on her journey. Untangling Hope is an honest portrayal of foster care and how everyday people (Hope's Foster Mom, Hope's Biological Father and Hope's social worker) get weaved into a story of redemption. This story is often bumpy and messy but there is a ribbon of hope that can be seen in the review mirror. I also loved how Johnna highlighted the healing role of animals and how a faithful, loving dog can truly be therapeutic. I cried, laughed, and said amen many times as I read this book.

[Kelly Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! As a mom to 11 and 13 year old girls, I thought this might be a good read for them. I read it first and it is great. My girls are reading it now. Hope is such a relatable character and so much of what she says, does, and think aligns with what I see in my girls. This is a tough age in general and on top of that, Hope is in a difficult situation. The story combines the hard journey with the healing that love and stability can bring. Hope is strong, quirky, and totally enjoyable to get to know throughout the pages. I highly recommend this book to adults and children alike. It would also work well as a family read along. I hope you find this book as engaging as I did.

[Anne Armistead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC, and I read it in one sitting. I recommend for middle grade readers as well as parents. Untangling Hope is an insightful and hopeful story about an eleven-year-old girl in foster care trying to figure out where and who to call home. The author Johnna Stein works for a foster care organization, and with her husband, she has provided a home to many fostered children. Johnna's insight and knowledge equips her to tell Hope's story. Hope's authentic voice shines, making the reader root for her quest to find where she belongs. You will laugh and shed a few tears.

[Carly J Rush-Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

We couldn’t put this book down! Hope’s journey is one that will open your eyes to the reality of children in foster care. I read this book with my 12 year old daughter (in the last week, she has read it twice!) and I cried multiple times. I love the way that Samantha did not instantly react when Hope had a trauma response but gave her room to feel and tools to help. Untangling Hope has a handful of ‘Easter eggs’ and we squealed with glee every time we found one! So thankful we had an advanced read’s copy. Can’t wait to share this incredible book with all of our friends!

[Emily Godfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

work read lol

[Sharon Pegram · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll root for Hope from page 1 of this heart-warming story! Hope's voice is authentically tween, and her emotional journey feels so real, with all its ups and downs, twists and turns. I learned a lot about foster care through the plot and the facts and details sprinkled judiciously throughout, but at no point did it feel like a lesson. The setting will read true to Georgian readers, particularly the weekend in Helen, and the supporting cast are fully characterized (Ms. G. is officially one of my favorite people).
Note: I read an ARC of this book.