From National Book Award–winning author Kathryn Erskine
comes a heartfelt, poignant novel that tackles grief, change, and the struggle
to let your voice be heard. Perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Erin
Entrada Kelly, and Ali Benjamin.
Shy, eleven-year-old Lily made her dad an important promise
before he passed away—that she would “Strive for Five” and speak her mind at
least five times. But speaking up one time, let alone five, is easier said than
done. It’ll be even harder now that Lily must attend public school for the
first time. Fortunately, she meets curling-obsessed Hobart and quiet Dunya at
the beginning of sixth grade. Their kindness gives Lily hope that life without
Dad might just be bearable.
But when Lily and her friends are bullied by Ryan and his
mean clique, she quickly discovers the true meaning of friendship and speaking
out. Despite the anxiety she feels, Lily knows she needs to stand up for
herself and others. And she’ll use the tools her dad gave her to not only keep
her final promise but bring her whole school together.
Following Lily’s journey and the snarky, insightful, and
humorous commentary from Libro, the actual book, who guides readers through
this thoughtful tale, makes Lily’s Promise a strong title for social
emotional learning.
