Lily's Promise

In Kathryn Erskine's novel "Lily's Promise," eleven-year-old Lily makes a promise to her dad to speak her mind at least five times, but she struggles to do so when she starts public school. She meets Hobart and Dunya, who help her understand the importance of friendship and standing up for herself. When Lily and her friends are bullied, she learns the true meaning of friendship and uses the tools her dad gave her to keep her promise and bring her school together. The book is a great title for social emotional learning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

From the acclaimed author of the National Book Award, Kathryn Erskine, comes a deeply moving and poignant novel that explores the complexities of grief, change, and the courage to find one's voice. This captivating story is sure to resonate with fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Ali Benjamin.

Eleven-year-old Lily, known for her shyness, made a solemn promise to her late father before his passing—to "Strive for Five" and speak her mind at least five times. However, the task of speaking up, even once, seemed daunting, let alone five times. Now, as Lily enters public school for the first time, the weight of her promise hangs heavy over her. Fortunately, she meets Hobart, an enthusiastic curler, and Dunya, a quiet and compassionate individual, at the beginning of sixth grade. Their kindness and understanding give Lily a glimmer of hope that life without her father might be bearable.

However, their newfound friendship is tested when Lily and her friends encounter the bullying of Ryan and his cruel clique. Lily quickly realizes the true essence of friendship and the importance of standing up for herself and others. Determined to fulfill her father's final wish and bring her school together, Lily harnesses the tools he left her with. Through her courage and resilience, she not only keeps her promise but also inspires others to find their voices and stand against bullying.

Lily's Promise is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into social emotional learning. Through Lily's journey and the insightful commentary provided by Libro, the actual book, readers are guided through this poignant tale. The story's themes of grief, change, and the power of friendship provide valuable lessons for young readers, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness, stand up for what is right, and foster a sense of community.

In conclusion, Kathryn Erskine's Lily's Promise is a must-read for fans of contemporary middle grade fiction. With its heartfelt narrative, relatable characters, and important themes, this novel offers a powerful message of resilience and hope. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the ability to find strength in the face of adversity.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 129 x 193 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063058163