The authors—professional psychologists who work with children and families—believe that adults can help children build hope and combat hopelessness, and use stories that children construct about themselves to document the hope-building process. Included are two useful appendixes and a new introduction, in which the authors respond to readers’ questions and reactions to the original edition, which was published by Westview Press in 1997.

From the Introduction to the Percheron Press Edition . . .

'[H]ope results when an adult spends the time and effort to convey hopeful thinking to a child.  Hope is a highly personal experience. The power rests in the adult who is committed to raising a child’s hope.'

From the Foreword . . .

'The authors . . . have captured and conveyed the preciousness of hope in human development throughout one’s life span. Here you will encounter numerous stories that illustrate the formidable power of positive possibilities in helping people to cope with and grow from the challenges of everyday life.'

Michael J. Mahoney, University of North Texas and Saybrook Graduate Research Center