
A parent would reach for this book when their child is grappling with the feelings of abandonment or confusion that follow a parent leaving the family home. Dan Hope is an eleven-year-old boy who believes that if he can just be extraordinary enough, his father (who left for another woman) will return. This story handles the heavy themes of parental rejection and blended families with a remarkable balance of humor and heart. It is perfectly suited for children aged 9 to 12 who need to see their complicated family dynamics reflected in a way that is honest but ultimately hopeful. While it acknowledges the deep ache of a missing parent, it emphasizes the value of the family that stayed, helping children redefine what it means to be truly loved.
The book deals directly and realistically with parental abandonment and the pain of a parent starting a second family. The approach is secular and contemporary. The resolution is realistic rather than a fairytale ending: Dan does not get the 'perfect' dad back, but he finds peace and belonging within his existing blended family.
A 10 or 11-year-old child in a single-parent or blended family who feels like they are 'not enough' to make a distant parent stay. It is for the child who uses humor to cope with big changes.
Parents should be aware of a scene where Dan's father is quite cold and dismissive toward him. It may be helpful to discuss that Dan's father's choices are not Dan's fault. A parent might see their child acting out or becoming obsessively high-achieving in hopes of gaining the attention of an estranged parent.
Younger readers (9) will enjoy the humor and the dog, perhaps missing the deeper nuances of the father's rejection. Older readers (12) will deeply feel the sting of the father's indifference and Dan's search for identity.
Unlike many 'divorce books' that focus on the process of separation, this focuses on the long-term emotional aftermath and the specific yearning a child has for a parent who has mentally checked out.
Dan Hope lives with his mother, his moody sister Ninja Grace, and his dog. His father left years ago to start a new life with the 'chip shop lady' and has a new son. Dan becomes obsessed with the idea that if he can get on television or prove he is special, his father will want to be part of his life again. Along the way, he navigates a supportive but imperfect home life, including his mother's new boyfriend, Big Dave, and the realization that the hero he imagined his father to be doesn't match the reality.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review