Book Review
A short overview of this book
Hope by Jayneen Sanders is a lovely book for talking to children about a tough topic – domestic violence. The author handles this topic in a sensitive way that inspires hope.
This is what the Author has to say…
Jonathon’s home was not a happy one. But hope soon arrived when Auntie Edie came to stay. This beautifully illustrated book was written to provide children in family violence homes with a sense of hope and to lessen the traumatic effects of their living situations. As Jonathon knows, there is always hope that things might change.
This book aims to help children voice their concerns and their fears, and to express these with an adult or adults they trust such as a family member, teacher, caregiver or the police. Too often children in these environments blame themselves for the violence in their homes and take on the burden of shame and guilt. This book aims to reassure children that family violence is never ever their fault and that there is also hope that things might change.
Hope includes a Safety Plan developed by Eastern Domestic Violence Service that can be used by health professionals working with children, early years educators, teachers and family members or friends who might know a child that may be experiencing family violence.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 5 to 9 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Hope by Jayneen Sanders from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. Today, I want to talk about a book called Hope by Janine Sanders. This book is all about helping children build resilience and supporting those who have experienced or are living in domestic violence situations.
Now, I have to say, this is a heavy topic, but I really admire J for being brave and tackling difficult subjects. You might recognize J from her previous book, Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept, which addresses sexual abuse. It’s great to see her addressing another important issue that many people tend to shy away from.
What I love about Hope is that it tells the story of a child in a domestic violence situation. It shows how the family goes through tough times, seeks help, and eventually comes back together. It’s a book that offers hope and reminds us that even in difficult situations, change is possible.
As I was reading the book, I found myself forgetting its title. But you know what? That’s actually the message of the book. It’s all about hope and the belief that things can get better. J explains that the aim of the book is to provide children in violent homes with a sense of hope and to help them express their concerns and fears to trusted adults.
The story follows Jonathan, a young boy whose family is not happy. He tries to make things better by tidying up and giving his mom hugs. Then, his aunt comes to visit, and for three days, everything is wonderful. But when she leaves, Jonathan worries that things will go back to how they were. However, his aunt reassures him that it’s not his fault and that they can find ways to keep him and his mom safe.
Eventually, Jonathan and his mom go to stay with his aunt for two weeks, where there’s no shouting or hitting. It’s a peaceful time for them. When they return home, things do get better for a while. Jonathan’s dad seeks help, and the yelling and hitting happen less frequently. Through it all, Jonathan learns important lessons about hope, safety, and the power of kindness and respect.
The book ends with Jonathan as an adult, starting his own family. He becomes a kind, caring, and respectful person who doesn’t repeat the cycle of violence. I think it’s crucial to highlight this because research shows that children who grow up in violent households can perpetuate the cycle. But Jonathan’s story shows that change is possible, and we can choose a different path.
In the back of the book, J provides discussion questions and notes to help facilitate conversations about the topic. It’s a great resource for having those difficult but necessary discussions.
Overall, Hope is a lovely book that offers hope and encourages conversations about domestic violence. It’s a tough subject, but J handles it with care and provides a positive message. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to address this important topic with children.
Cheers!
