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Hope in the Valley
Can Pandita weave hope from the past into the present to heal herself, her family, and the future of her Silicon Valley community?
Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street.
But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new―maybe affordable―housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice―and the strength to move on―in order to give her community hope.
Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street.
But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new―maybe affordable―housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice―and the strength to move on―in order to give her community hope.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 11, 2023
15 people are currently reading
2807 people want to read
About the author
Mitali Perkins
25 books576 followersMitali Perkins has written many books for young readers as well as a couple for adults, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for the National Book Award) Rickshaw Girl (a NYPL best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years, film adaptation at rickshawgirlmovie.com), Bamboo People (an ALA Top 10 YA novel), and Forward Me Back to You, which won the South Asia Book Award for Younger Readers. Her newest novel, Hope in the Valley, received five starred reviews and was selected as a Best Book for Young Readers by Kirkus and Book Page. She currently writes and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area: mitaliperkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 22, 2024
Oooo my first Mital Perkins book for older readers and it did not disappoint! CW: death of a parent, grief, racism
Hope in the Valley, a cross between historical fiction and realistic fiction, takes place during the 1980's and follows main character Pandita. Battling the grief of losing her mother, Pandita struggles with big changes including the inevitable reality of having to start middle school. To even further complicate her feelings, Pandita learns that her father has enrolled her in a theater summer camp when she prefers not to sing and act in front of others. Pandita is also struggling with the fact that her town may tear down the old, abandoned farmhouse to create more affordable housing for the growth of the tech industry. Not only must Pandita learn to find her voice to advocate for her community, but also herself.
What Worked: This book tackled so many issues and it did so in a way that was both clear and concise. It didn't feel overwhelming as each issue unfolded at a steady and realistic pace all culminating around the idea that Pandita was going to have to find the courage and strength to not only stand up for herself, but also what she believed in. Some of my favorite moments were Pandita's volunteer work at the historical society where she learns more about the "Keep California White" a slogan utilized by James D. Phelan as he ran for a senatorial seat in 1920. Not only are readers learning more about the 1980's, but they're learning about history of the 1920s that affects and changes the main character. Pandita does struggle with a lot, but I appreciated that Perkins provides her with a great support system in her sisters, her father, and a new friend (maybe potential first crush) by the name of Leo. There is even some conflict closely related to a friendship break up that is handled beautifully. Clearly this book has some great components, but I think that one of my favorite's deals with the representation of advocacy. Pandita attends local county meetings to advocate for what she believes is right for her community. Children are often taught so much about politics on the federal level, that they aren't always aware of the work and advocacy that can be down on a community level. Hope in the Valley does a great job illustrating those efforts.
Overall, this was a good read and one that I definitely will recommend to middle grade readers that enjoy historical fiction.
Hope in the Valley, a cross between historical fiction and realistic fiction, takes place during the 1980's and follows main character Pandita. Battling the grief of losing her mother, Pandita struggles with big changes including the inevitable reality of having to start middle school. To even further complicate her feelings, Pandita learns that her father has enrolled her in a theater summer camp when she prefers not to sing and act in front of others. Pandita is also struggling with the fact that her town may tear down the old, abandoned farmhouse to create more affordable housing for the growth of the tech industry. Not only must Pandita learn to find her voice to advocate for her community, but also herself.
What Worked: This book tackled so many issues and it did so in a way that was both clear and concise. It didn't feel overwhelming as each issue unfolded at a steady and realistic pace all culminating around the idea that Pandita was going to have to find the courage and strength to not only stand up for herself, but also what she believed in. Some of my favorite moments were Pandita's volunteer work at the historical society where she learns more about the "Keep California White" a slogan utilized by James D. Phelan as he ran for a senatorial seat in 1920. Not only are readers learning more about the 1980's, but they're learning about history of the 1920s that affects and changes the main character. Pandita does struggle with a lot, but I appreciated that Perkins provides her with a great support system in her sisters, her father, and a new friend (maybe potential first crush) by the name of Leo. There is even some conflict closely related to a friendship break up that is handled beautifully. Clearly this book has some great components, but I think that one of my favorite's deals with the representation of advocacy. Pandita attends local county meetings to advocate for what she believes is right for her community. Children are often taught so much about politics on the federal level, that they aren't always aware of the work and advocacy that can be down on a community level. Hope in the Valley does a great job illustrating those efforts.
Overall, this was a good read and one that I definitely will recommend to middle grade readers that enjoy historical fiction.
October 31, 2023
Oh, what a sweet book! I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade historical fiction novel.
Pandita is a 12-year-old Indian American who lives in Sunny Creek, which is a small, mostly white town. She lives with her twin sisters and her baba, but sadly her mother passed away when she was just nine. It's been difficult for the family to let go of the past, and they have an unspoken pact in place - to not talk about Pandita's mama. It makes their baba too sad, but more and more Pandita is worried that she's beginning to forget her. And so, Pandita makes it her mission to remember her - Operation Remember mama, or ORM for short.
Unfortunately, one of her strongest ties to her mother's memory- the abandoned home and orchard across the street where they used to spend time together - is in danger of being torn down by the town to make room for new development! Therefore, it becomes part of Pandita's mission - to help preserve the home and orchard. If only shy Pandita can survive summer drama camp!
This book is set in 1980, but it could just have easily been written in the present tense - which is such a sad commentary on the times we are living in. Pandita encounters subtle but insidious racism in her small American town, as people she lives and interacts with everyday fight to stop the building of affordable housing in her community, seeking to keep "undesirables" from moving into their neighborhoods. As Pandita begins to research the history of the home and orchard across the street, and learns about her town's involvement in the "Keep California White" movement, she begins to recognize that many of those same elements still exist in her hometown. It was heartbreaking to see Pandita recognize the efforts her own mother took to be more accepted by the largely white population - trying to lose her accent, and even having her young daughter speak for her in public places to avoid appearing more Indian.
I loved the way the author handles activism in this book! It doesn't have to be storming on Washington - more often, it's just getting into line to speak at the town council meeting to make a small but important change. It's so important for children to see these small but important changes they themselves can be a part of, so I loved seeing this brought to life in the 12-year-old protagonist of this novel.
I would absolutely rate this book 5 stars! And I am excited to add this book to our library's middle grades section. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book!
Pandita is a 12-year-old Indian American who lives in Sunny Creek, which is a small, mostly white town. She lives with her twin sisters and her baba, but sadly her mother passed away when she was just nine. It's been difficult for the family to let go of the past, and they have an unspoken pact in place - to not talk about Pandita's mama. It makes their baba too sad, but more and more Pandita is worried that she's beginning to forget her. And so, Pandita makes it her mission to remember her - Operation Remember mama, or ORM for short.
Unfortunately, one of her strongest ties to her mother's memory- the abandoned home and orchard across the street where they used to spend time together - is in danger of being torn down by the town to make room for new development! Therefore, it becomes part of Pandita's mission - to help preserve the home and orchard. If only shy Pandita can survive summer drama camp!
This book is set in 1980, but it could just have easily been written in the present tense - which is such a sad commentary on the times we are living in. Pandita encounters subtle but insidious racism in her small American town, as people she lives and interacts with everyday fight to stop the building of affordable housing in her community, seeking to keep "undesirables" from moving into their neighborhoods. As Pandita begins to research the history of the home and orchard across the street, and learns about her town's involvement in the "Keep California White" movement, she begins to recognize that many of those same elements still exist in her hometown. It was heartbreaking to see Pandita recognize the efforts her own mother took to be more accepted by the largely white population - trying to lose her accent, and even having her young daughter speak for her in public places to avoid appearing more Indian.
I loved the way the author handles activism in this book! It doesn't have to be storming on Washington - more often, it's just getting into line to speak at the town council meeting to make a small but important change. It's so important for children to see these small but important changes they themselves can be a part of, so I loved seeing this brought to life in the 12-year-old protagonist of this novel.
I would absolutely rate this book 5 stars! And I am excited to add this book to our library's middle grades section. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book!
March 30, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Pandita Paul lives in the Silicon Valley in the 1980. She lives with her father, who is a professor, and her two older sisters, but is struggling since the sudden death of her mother sevearl years previously when the family was visiting relatives in India. She and her mother frequently snuck into a derelict house that was part of a farm that is no longer active that is across the street from her house, and she still spends time on the porch, reading her mother's letters. She's an anxious child, who isn't into theater or social activism like her sisters, so she is not happy when her father tells her that he has enrolled her in a summer theater program so that she gets out of the house. This is especially horrible because the town wants to tear down the old farmhouse and develop the farm into affordable housing, since the tech industry is booming and there are not enough apartments and houses that teachers, police, and other necessary workers can afford. The one saving grace of the program is that Leo, whom she has recently met because his mother is a nurse in a senior facility Pandita visits, is also enrolled. His family is from the Philippines, and thinking of moving out of town to a less expensive apartment. Pandita gets involved with the local historical society to fight the demolition of the house, in part because her beloved public librarian is a member. It doesn't help that one of her sisters is pushing for the apartments, and is as much involved in fighting for the apartments as Pandita is involved in fighting against them. Pandita loses her mother's letters when the farmhouse is cleaned out, and when she discovers that the historical society may have them, she volunteers to go through many boxes of papers, hoping to find them. What she does find is information about the owners of the farm (an orchard) who have a fascinating story that ties into some social justice issues. It's a losing battle, though, just like the one she is secretly fighting with her father. He has never felt comfortable talking about Pandita's mother, so she and her sisters have never discussed her, and now he is dating a brash, talkative Bengali woman, Dr. Shom. Pandita doesn't like the thought of her mother being displaced, although Dr. Shom is generally kind and helpful. It's an uncomfortable summer filled with all manner of things that Pandita doesn't like. Will she be able to survive theater camp, her father's dating, the loss of the country feel to her neighborhood, and the general forward motion of life?
Strengths: Turning 13 seems like it would be a good thing, but Pandita finds out, the way many of us do, that life doesn't really stop to consider what WE would like. Especially in the 1980s, little consideration was given to tweens feelings, especially ones that were considered "sensitive". I can't imagine the building that would have gone on in the Silicon Valley at this point in time, since even in Ohio there was a ton of new construction in the middle of cornfields, none of which really took into account any properties of historical or emotional significance. Perkins does a good job of capturing some of the feel of the time in a way that addresses universal concerns, and throws in some great references, especially to the classic children's literature that she loves.(If you are a "kindred spirit" don't miss her 2021 Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children’s Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls. Her family is supportive and present, but want her to do things that THEY want her to do. She manages to make some new friends, and the historical research she does, even though it doesn't help save the farm, adds another layer of interest. Hope in the Valley is a refreshing and engaging look at an underrepresented time period.
Weaknesses: This story could have been told without the death of the mother, although I appreciated the inclusion of the father dating. I was never a fan of change when I was a tween, and was furiously upset when a house was built on a vacant lot across the street from my house. Pandita would still have felt connected to the farm house and been angry about its demolition even if her mother were alive.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Dilloway's Five Thing About Ava Andrews, Giles' Take Back the Block, or even Yee's Maizy Chen's Last Chance (with the history in the background).
Pandita Paul lives in the Silicon Valley in the 1980. She lives with her father, who is a professor, and her two older sisters, but is struggling since the sudden death of her mother sevearl years previously when the family was visiting relatives in India. She and her mother frequently snuck into a derelict house that was part of a farm that is no longer active that is across the street from her house, and she still spends time on the porch, reading her mother's letters. She's an anxious child, who isn't into theater or social activism like her sisters, so she is not happy when her father tells her that he has enrolled her in a summer theater program so that she gets out of the house. This is especially horrible because the town wants to tear down the old farmhouse and develop the farm into affordable housing, since the tech industry is booming and there are not enough apartments and houses that teachers, police, and other necessary workers can afford. The one saving grace of the program is that Leo, whom she has recently met because his mother is a nurse in a senior facility Pandita visits, is also enrolled. His family is from the Philippines, and thinking of moving out of town to a less expensive apartment. Pandita gets involved with the local historical society to fight the demolition of the house, in part because her beloved public librarian is a member. It doesn't help that one of her sisters is pushing for the apartments, and is as much involved in fighting for the apartments as Pandita is involved in fighting against them. Pandita loses her mother's letters when the farmhouse is cleaned out, and when she discovers that the historical society may have them, she volunteers to go through many boxes of papers, hoping to find them. What she does find is information about the owners of the farm (an orchard) who have a fascinating story that ties into some social justice issues. It's a losing battle, though, just like the one she is secretly fighting with her father. He has never felt comfortable talking about Pandita's mother, so she and her sisters have never discussed her, and now he is dating a brash, talkative Bengali woman, Dr. Shom. Pandita doesn't like the thought of her mother being displaced, although Dr. Shom is generally kind and helpful. It's an uncomfortable summer filled with all manner of things that Pandita doesn't like. Will she be able to survive theater camp, her father's dating, the loss of the country feel to her neighborhood, and the general forward motion of life?
Strengths: Turning 13 seems like it would be a good thing, but Pandita finds out, the way many of us do, that life doesn't really stop to consider what WE would like. Especially in the 1980s, little consideration was given to tweens feelings, especially ones that were considered "sensitive". I can't imagine the building that would have gone on in the Silicon Valley at this point in time, since even in Ohio there was a ton of new construction in the middle of cornfields, none of which really took into account any properties of historical or emotional significance. Perkins does a good job of capturing some of the feel of the time in a way that addresses universal concerns, and throws in some great references, especially to the classic children's literature that she loves.(If you are a "kindred spirit" don't miss her 2021 Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children’s Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls. Her family is supportive and present, but want her to do things that THEY want her to do. She manages to make some new friends, and the historical research she does, even though it doesn't help save the farm, adds another layer of interest. Hope in the Valley is a refreshing and engaging look at an underrepresented time period.
Weaknesses: This story could have been told without the death of the mother, although I appreciated the inclusion of the father dating. I was never a fan of change when I was a tween, and was furiously upset when a house was built on a vacant lot across the street from my house. Pandita would still have felt connected to the farm house and been angry about its demolition even if her mother were alive.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Dilloway's Five Thing About Ava Andrews, Giles' Take Back the Block, or even Yee's Maizy Chen's Last Chance (with the history in the background).
March 11, 2024
Buddy read with Kate for Middle Grade March 2024! This is a lovely story with lots of layers built into it. The heroine, Pandita Paul, had a rough seventh grade year and is looking forward to a break during the summer…only to find that her high-school age twin sisters have enrolled her in a drama camp. Pandita! The girl who loves to write poetry and find quiet places by herself, who is an old soul and who is still deeply grieving her mother’s death from three years before. The whole family is grieving and it seems as if they might be drifting away from each other because processing that grief together is really hard. Pandita has an ally in her sister Indy. (Indy loves to cook and we get some delicious details about Indian food from the girls’ parents’ native Bengali.)
There is also friendship trouble between Pandita and her former best friend Jemma. Even Pandita’s elderly friend at the local nursing home, Mr Marvin, can be hard to get along with. But there are some potential new friends on the horizon. The friendship thread was lovely. Lots of diversity to celebrate there too. But Pandita’s beloved father might want to date again. What?? More relationship complexity for Pandita.
Finally, there’s trouble in the town of Sunny Creek because even though it’s 1980 in the Silicon Valley, affordable housing is already a big problem. Next door to Pandita’s house is a decrepit mansion and apricot orchard that was beloved to both Pandita and her mother. But it’s slated for demolition and development… Pandita has many gifts within her that will help her dig into the town’s history and bring its story alive. As long as she can survive her role in the drama camp’s musical!
Okay, that sounds very blurb-y but there’s so much in the story that I wasn’t sure how else to capture it all. Pandita is a lovely character and she loves the old books like Mitali Perkins does. This is a heartwarming read that will bring several aspects of history to life through Pandita’s eyes. Plus if you’re a fan of musical theater, there’s a treat here for you!
There is also friendship trouble between Pandita and her former best friend Jemma. Even Pandita’s elderly friend at the local nursing home, Mr Marvin, can be hard to get along with. But there are some potential new friends on the horizon. The friendship thread was lovely. Lots of diversity to celebrate there too. But Pandita’s beloved father might want to date again. What?? More relationship complexity for Pandita.
Finally, there’s trouble in the town of Sunny Creek because even though it’s 1980 in the Silicon Valley, affordable housing is already a big problem. Next door to Pandita’s house is a decrepit mansion and apricot orchard that was beloved to both Pandita and her mother. But it’s slated for demolition and development… Pandita has many gifts within her that will help her dig into the town’s history and bring its story alive. As long as she can survive her role in the drama camp’s musical!
Okay, that sounds very blurb-y but there’s so much in the story that I wasn’t sure how else to capture it all. Pandita is a lovely character and she loves the old books like Mitali Perkins does. This is a heartwarming read that will bring several aspects of history to life through Pandita’s eyes. Plus if you’re a fan of musical theater, there’s a treat here for you!
August 6, 2023
First fiction book I had read of Mitali Perkins after reading her fantastic Steeped in stories…. And oh so much of her voice and love of rereading children’s book was imbedded in this story. Oh what a storyline. Set in 1980 in Silicon Valley (formerly known as Valley of Delight because of all the orchards) and Pandu is facing a summer of change. Still reeling from her mother’s death, a beloved property that she shared with her mother is set to be destroyed, her father is going to start dating and she is forced to go to drama camp and she hates public speaking. Oh this story has so many beautiful threads of friendship and grief and mixing of cultures and then this great storyline of a family that lived there a long time ago. There was poetry… loved the poetry. It was so well woven and then the best scene about the family grieving their mother. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2024
Mitali Perkins is fast becoming one of the few contemporary children’s authors I can whole heartedly recommend. Just pay attention, there is a difference between juvenile and YA for a reason.
June 7, 2023
Hope in the Valley review
This is a wonderfully written and beautifully expressed historical fiction story set in the 1980’s in Silicon Valley, CA. In the beginning, Pandita has recently lost her mother and is grieving in a family where not all family members are ready to grieve. The world beyond her family is moving on quickly and wants to destroy a place that was and still is special to Pandita, because of her late mom. Over the summer and throughout the novel, Pandita grows and matures. She learns to speak up in her family and speak up in the world beyond her family. During this journey, she travels along her grieving process and makes friends. This novel will have you experiencing Pandita’s emotions and the emotions of other characters. This book is A+ and first class all the way.
This is a wonderfully written and beautifully expressed historical fiction story set in the 1980’s in Silicon Valley, CA. In the beginning, Pandita has recently lost her mother and is grieving in a family where not all family members are ready to grieve. The world beyond her family is moving on quickly and wants to destroy a place that was and still is special to Pandita, because of her late mom. Over the summer and throughout the novel, Pandita grows and matures. She learns to speak up in her family and speak up in the world beyond her family. During this journey, she travels along her grieving process and makes friends. This novel will have you experiencing Pandita’s emotions and the emotions of other characters. This book is A+ and first class all the way.
August 28, 2023
This is a great middle grade novel. Diverse characters. Pundita is trying to keep the memory of her mother alive. She attends a summer drama camp and begins to find her voice in local politics. Her father is starting to date again and she and her older sisters are trying to deal with it. A sweet read.
October 8, 2025
This is a wonderful book. One of my favorites ever. I relate to her so much with public speaking.
August 19, 2023
It’s not every day that one of my all-time favorite, overlooked classics of a book is mentioned in a new middle grade novel. When Pandita Paul, the main character of Hope in the Valley, by Mitali Perkins, discusses Maud Hart Lovelace’s Emily of Deep Valley with the elderly man she has befriended at an assisted living facility, my little readerly heart squealed.
But it’s REALLY not every day that a new middle grade novel actually reminds me of one of my all-time favorite, overlooked classics of a book. Throughout Mitali Perkin’s story—from the title on out—little nods to Emily of Deep Valley come out in theme and words and style. Most noticeably, Pandita’s growth into a young woman who is confident enough both to speak her mind and to change her mind (and isn’t that the harder of the two?), echoes Emily’s growth in Lovelace’s novel. Is it a retelling? Not in the least. Will Emily’s fans rejoice to find a modern book full of the same heart and strength and old-fashioned goodness? Absolutely.
Here’s the publisher’s description:
Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street.
But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new―maybe affordable―housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice―and the strength to move on―in order to give her community hope.
“Activism” is a charged word right now. Everywhere I look, it seems like someone is picking a fight in the name of “activism” instead of learning to sit down with their neighbor and see their point of view. Sometimes it seems like a very modern idea, but old books from Emily of Deep Valley to Rose in Bloom—not to mention everything Dickens ever wrote—remind us that activism is a necessary part of grappling with the injustice that has existed in the world since the fall of man. Just like those old stories, Hope in the Valley is about a young woman who wants to make the world a little better, who sees a wrong and is compelled to leave her comfort zone in order to right it. But her activism is a far cry from screaming protests and hard-headed insistence. In fact, it’s the time that Pandita spends with people who disagree with her that most influences and informs the way she makes her case. Any of us who have struggled with how to stand up against the evil in the world without adding to it will be inspired by the example she sets for us.
Auntie Mitali, thank you. You’ve written the classic story we need in 2023 and for generations to come.
But it’s REALLY not every day that a new middle grade novel actually reminds me of one of my all-time favorite, overlooked classics of a book. Throughout Mitali Perkin’s story—from the title on out—little nods to Emily of Deep Valley come out in theme and words and style. Most noticeably, Pandita’s growth into a young woman who is confident enough both to speak her mind and to change her mind (and isn’t that the harder of the two?), echoes Emily’s growth in Lovelace’s novel. Is it a retelling? Not in the least. Will Emily’s fans rejoice to find a modern book full of the same heart and strength and old-fashioned goodness? Absolutely.
Here’s the publisher’s description:
Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street.
But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new―maybe affordable―housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice―and the strength to move on―in order to give her community hope.
“Activism” is a charged word right now. Everywhere I look, it seems like someone is picking a fight in the name of “activism” instead of learning to sit down with their neighbor and see their point of view. Sometimes it seems like a very modern idea, but old books from Emily of Deep Valley to Rose in Bloom—not to mention everything Dickens ever wrote—remind us that activism is a necessary part of grappling with the injustice that has existed in the world since the fall of man. Just like those old stories, Hope in the Valley is about a young woman who wants to make the world a little better, who sees a wrong and is compelled to leave her comfort zone in order to right it. But her activism is a far cry from screaming protests and hard-headed insistence. In fact, it’s the time that Pandita spends with people who disagree with her that most influences and informs the way she makes her case. Any of us who have struggled with how to stand up against the evil in the world without adding to it will be inspired by the example she sets for us.
Auntie Mitali, thank you. You’ve written the classic story we need in 2023 and for generations to come.
March 7, 2024
Pandita is worried that she is losing her memories of her mother. When the old farm across the road is targeted for demolition and development, she’s sad to lose a place where she spent time with her mother as a child. Pandita joins a summer theater camp and there she starts to find her voice while unraveling the history of the farm. Although set in 1980, the Not-in-My-Backyard sentiments, grief, and family issues could just as well be happening today.
July 4, 2024
Only Mitali Perkins could talk about racism, classism, the complexities of the past and how it impacts the present, friendship, grief, and beauty of art all within one book for kids.
A really lovely read <3
A really lovely read <3
August 3, 2023
Set in 1980 in Silicon Valley, Hope in the Valley features 13-year-old protagonist Pandita Paul, an Indian-American girl who loves reading and writing poetry and is NOT happy to be forced into attending drama camp in the summer before her 8th grade year.
Pandita lives with her father and twin older sisters in a house across from an old, rundown orchard. Her mother passed away three years earlier, and Pandita struggles to keep her mother's memory alive as the years go by. The old orchard farmhouse was a "secret spot" that Pandita and her mother used to share together - but now that the property is to be sold, so what will become of this place that is so dear?
Some people in town (even one of Pandita's sisters!) want to see the property turned into affordable housing. Others want to preserve the old property for historic reasons...or perhaps really because they fear outsiders coming into their small town. At first all Pandita can think about are her memories of moments with her mother on the farmhouse porch. But what about families like that of her new friend Leo, who can't find a good, affordable place to live?
Throughout this hope-filled story, Pandita faces her fears (like singing and speaking in public at drama camp and beyond), forms new friendships and renews old ones, and learns to hold her mother's memory close while also considering the possibility of a new relationship for her father -- all against the backdrop of fighting for the future of the old orchard across the street.
I really liked this story, and absolutely give it 5 stars. It's classified as a "middle grade" novel, but I think it will hit the sweet spot for readers about ages 11-14, closer in age to the main character.
Content Considerations:
light romance (Pandita has some "fluttery feelings" about her friend Leo. Pandita's father is pursuing a romantic relationship with a colleague).
grief (as mentioned above, Pandita grieving her mother's death three years earlier is a main plot point).
Pandita lives with her father and twin older sisters in a house across from an old, rundown orchard. Her mother passed away three years earlier, and Pandita struggles to keep her mother's memory alive as the years go by. The old orchard farmhouse was a "secret spot" that Pandita and her mother used to share together - but now that the property is to be sold, so what will become of this place that is so dear?
Some people in town (even one of Pandita's sisters!) want to see the property turned into affordable housing. Others want to preserve the old property for historic reasons...or perhaps really because they fear outsiders coming into their small town. At first all Pandita can think about are her memories of moments with her mother on the farmhouse porch. But what about families like that of her new friend Leo, who can't find a good, affordable place to live?
Throughout this hope-filled story, Pandita faces her fears (like singing and speaking in public at drama camp and beyond), forms new friendships and renews old ones, and learns to hold her mother's memory close while also considering the possibility of a new relationship for her father -- all against the backdrop of fighting for the future of the old orchard across the street.
I really liked this story, and absolutely give it 5 stars. It's classified as a "middle grade" novel, but I think it will hit the sweet spot for readers about ages 11-14, closer in age to the main character.
Content Considerations:
light romance (Pandita has some "fluttery feelings" about her friend Leo. Pandita's father is pursuing a romantic relationship with a colleague).
grief (as mentioned above, Pandita grieving her mother's death three years earlier is a main plot point).
June 29, 2023
Before Silicon Valley was what we imagine today, it was the Valley of Heart’s Delight. Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins (Farrar, Straus and Giroux July 2023) is a captivating middle grade novel set in 1980 in those early days of the changing Silicon Valley. Pandita Paul, a 13-year-old Indian-American girl, grapples with the changing landscape of her semi-rural community and the racism the community faces. As the gorgeous old orchard next to her home is demolished to make way for housing, Pandita’s personal struggles become intertwined with the wider narrative.
The loss of her mother adds a profound layer of emotion to Pandita’s story. Pandita is still yearning for closure now, three years after her mother’s sudden death while they were in India. The abandoned orchard, once a sanctuary for Pandita and her mother, becomes a symbol of their connection. With the loss of her sanctuary, Pandita must find a new solace elsewhere.
Pandita turns to writing poetry, visiting an elderly friend at a local care center, and forming new connections, particularly with Leo, a confident and talented musician. Although she faces stage fright, her father makes her join music and drama camp, where she learns to speak up, not just on the stage but also as she works with the historical society to preserve her valley’s heritage. Just like many teens, she also must prepare for middle school and navigate her complicated friendships. As evident through this list of challenges, throughout the summer Pandita’s experiences encompass more than just the demolition of the orchard.
Pandita’s relatability is a standout feature of the novel. With her well-developed backstory, she feels like a real girl, allowing readers to easily connect with her experiences. Despite the differences in her circumstances, the novel’s themes of trying new things, finding friends, and discovering the courage to speak up are universally appealing. The novel also sheds light on the racial struggles faced by minorities in California during the 1900s, offering a fresh perspective to readers.
Hope in the Valley successfully captures the essence of the historic era of the 1980s, and it offered me a delightful glimpse into a nostalgic sample of my own 1980s childhood. However, its core strength lies in being a solid middle grade novel that appeals to a wide age range, from 8 to 12 years old and beyond. It particularly resonates with young readers who are navigating the trials of life, such as entering middle school and facing challenges in their friendships. Ultimately, this novel is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The loss of her mother adds a profound layer of emotion to Pandita’s story. Pandita is still yearning for closure now, three years after her mother’s sudden death while they were in India. The abandoned orchard, once a sanctuary for Pandita and her mother, becomes a symbol of their connection. With the loss of her sanctuary, Pandita must find a new solace elsewhere.
Pandita turns to writing poetry, visiting an elderly friend at a local care center, and forming new connections, particularly with Leo, a confident and talented musician. Although she faces stage fright, her father makes her join music and drama camp, where she learns to speak up, not just on the stage but also as she works with the historical society to preserve her valley’s heritage. Just like many teens, she also must prepare for middle school and navigate her complicated friendships. As evident through this list of challenges, throughout the summer Pandita’s experiences encompass more than just the demolition of the orchard.
Pandita’s relatability is a standout feature of the novel. With her well-developed backstory, she feels like a real girl, allowing readers to easily connect with her experiences. Despite the differences in her circumstances, the novel’s themes of trying new things, finding friends, and discovering the courage to speak up are universally appealing. The novel also sheds light on the racial struggles faced by minorities in California during the 1900s, offering a fresh perspective to readers.
Hope in the Valley successfully captures the essence of the historic era of the 1980s, and it offered me a delightful glimpse into a nostalgic sample of my own 1980s childhood. However, its core strength lies in being a solid middle grade novel that appeals to a wide age range, from 8 to 12 years old and beyond. It particularly resonates with young readers who are navigating the trials of life, such as entering middle school and facing challenges in their friendships. Ultimately, this novel is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 26, 2023
Pandita isn’t looking forward to 8th grade. She’s not completely sure how she and her former best friend drifted apart, and her older twin sisters are busy with their own lives. Widowed dad is still living through his own sadness while working hard in 1980s Silicon Valley, so it seems best for everyone except Pandita that she spend the last month of summer at drama day camp. Though she’s initially reluctant, it turns out that singing and dancing come easy but acting is hard. Pandita enjoys the friendship and coaching of new kid Leo and begins to heal things with he former best friend. Strong subplots include the potential gentrification of the orchard across the street from Pandita’s house and herr dad beginning to date. The author excels at incorporating important big ideas - what is the impact of gentrification? What happens when a community does not know it’s history? Nicely done. EARC from Edelweiss.
August 24, 2023
I loved this book. It explores mature themes like grief, racism/classism, and new family situations in a child-appropriate and thoughtful way, alongside preteen content (childhood friendships, drama camp, sisterhood, a mild crush) and the value of art (music, poetry, theater). The plot is compelling, and the protagonist goes through a challenging but beautiful transformative arc.
Great for readers of _Esperanza Rising_ or _Echo_ (both by Pam Munoz Ryan) or _A Duet for Home_ (Karina Yan Glaser, author of the Vanderbeekers).
Great for readers of _Esperanza Rising_ or _Echo_ (both by Pam Munoz Ryan) or _A Duet for Home_ (Karina Yan Glaser, author of the Vanderbeekers).
July 10, 2023
Wow I loved this one. Pandita is a character that I liked from the beginning.
I liked that Pandita likes books and writing poems. I liked that she was kind of shy and was having friendship troubles, but that didn't take her away from who she was and what she liked.
She is grieving the loss of her mother, but is still close with her family. Her sister's Indy and Shar have such great personalities too!
I liked the look into her culture also.
I really enjoyed seeing her get to know Leo and develop a friendship with him. And share music with him
Pandita learns how to use her voice and express herself and have her voice be heard.
A really lovely book!!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I liked that Pandita likes books and writing poems. I liked that she was kind of shy and was having friendship troubles, but that didn't take her away from who she was and what she liked.
She is grieving the loss of her mother, but is still close with her family. Her sister's Indy and Shar have such great personalities too!
I liked the look into her culture also.
I really enjoyed seeing her get to know Leo and develop a friendship with him. And share music with him
Pandita learns how to use her voice and express herself and have her voice be heard.
A really lovely book!!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
October 7, 2023
this was SO SWEET! i especially loved that even though it’s a children’s novel, they talked about the big stuff with housing and racism and who people see as “undesirables” in their neighborhood. i’ll be honest, didn’t love the stepmom storyline, i definitely thought that the girls were right to not really be her biggest fan so i didn’t love the ending with them but otherwise, so wonderful. and such a sweet little romance, too!
December 9, 2023
It took me a minute to get into this one, but once I found out the drama camp was doing The Sound of Music, I was on board. I'm not always a fan of first-person narration, but it works well here, as it allows us to see Pandita's thought process as she chooses just the right words to describe her life. The immigration and race conflicts are handled with love and care, and it made me very happy to have a main character who wears what makes her feel good, whether that's overalls or a nice dress.
April 21, 2024
A coming of age middle grade historical fiction about Silicon Valley in the 1980s and early 1900s. This book packs a lot of issues into it: immigration, fair housing, death, grief, racism, and finding your voice. But it makes each topic approachable. I also loved that everything didn’t turn out “picture perfect” but rather was a work in progress. As we all are.
April 25, 2024
So great! Loved the storylines. The musical storyline being my favorite! It took a tiny bit to get into it, but after that was much faster. I loved the ending. The characters were so well thought out. Loved it!
September 1, 2024
Middle school appropriate. I loved the way the author made history come alive and feel important. I also loved the way the character’s priorities changed as she learned and grew. The way the themes from the past played into the housing zoning issues was really interesting and relevant.
July 20, 2023
While set in the 1980's, the events mimic today's issues and cultural experiences.
July 25, 2023
4.25/5
December 15, 2023
Lovely. An old-fashioned feel but with contemporary issues.
October 30, 2024
My kids and I listened to this book together. We loved this delightful story and will be seeking out more from this author.
April 4, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book.
September 24, 2023
Powerful story of how Pandu not only found her voice but how she learned to live with the old and the new in her life, with her family, and in friendships.
October 15, 2024
Ten stars! I loved Pandita's quiet journey towards finding her voice and moving into her future.
July 28, 2023
Middle grade, nimby, stereotypes, grief, family
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