The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times (Global Icons Series) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times (Global Icons Series)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Jane Goodall’s masterclass on how to stop doom-scrolling and start believing in the human spirit again.

The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times (Global Icons Series)

book

2021

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Jane Goodall’s masterclass on how to stop doom-scrolling and start believing in the human spirit again.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the antidote to the 'everything is terrible' narrative. Jane Goodall doesn't sugarcoat the state of the planet, but she earns her optimism through decades of observation.

It’s a 'Global Icons' book for a reason; it’s dense with wisdom but light enough to read in chunks. If your kid is starting to ask the big, scary questions about the future, this is the manual you want on the nightstand. It’s not a page-turner in the 'thriller' sense, but it’s a soul-filler, which is arguably more important right now.

Age Fit

Ideal for 11 to 99. Middle schoolers will appreciate the honesty about the world's problems, while adults will find it a necessary balm for modern stress.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is essentially a masterclass in emotional resilience from Jane Goodall. The book models kindness, global cooperation, and a deep respect for all life forms without being preachy.

Imaginative

While non-fiction, it challenges readers to imagine a sustainable future and use 'human intellect' to solve complex problems. It sparks curiosity about the natural world and Gombe chimpanzees.

Safe

Extremely safe content-wise. It discusses heavy reality-based topics like climate change and pandemics, but does so in a solution-oriented, calm manner suitable for a family setting.

Enriching

High marks for ethical and personal growth. It provides a framework (The Four Reasons for Hope) that helps kids and adults process 'doom-and-gloom' news cycles constructively.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Jane Goodall’s 'Four Reasons for Hope' provides a solid mental framework for kids who feel overwhelmed by the news.
The conversational format between Goodall and Douglas Abrams makes deep philosophical topics feel like a chat over tea.
It combines scientific insight with personal storytelling from Goodall's legendary career in Gombe.
Perfect for environmental-conscious teens looking for a reason to stay motivated rather than cynical.

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What to Watch For

It tackles heavy subjects like biodiversity loss, poverty, and the climate crisis—topics that might trigger 'eco-anxiety' if not discussed together.
Being a dialogue-heavy book, it might feel 'slow' or 'boring' to kids used to fast-paced fiction; it's a sit-and-think kind of read.

Conversation Starters

"Jane talks about the 'indomitable human spirit.' Where have you seen someone refuse to give up lately?"
"Which of the four reasons for hope—intellect, nature's resilience, youth power, or human spirit—feels the strongest to you?"
"If we have the brainpower to cause these global problems, what’s one way we can use that same brainpower to fix them?"
"Does knowing about the 'window of opportunity' make you feel more urgent or more relieved?"

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