Did you know that hope is a story and a science?
In Episode 43, I’m speaking with journalist Andrea Curtis about her book for middle graders, The Story and Science of Hope.
Sparked by an observation of despair among children, Andrea set out to investigate the source and history of hope and what it could mean for the children she was observing. She discovered that despite what it looks like, we all have hope, and hope can be nurtured.
We talked about the difference between faith and hope, and most importantly, the difference between optimism and hope. We even discussed the role of goal setting in building hope.
Andrea says hope can be included in classroom curricula as an overarching theme and shared about innovative teachers who are infusing hope in the packing of lunchboxes and the creation of community service opportunities.
Inspiring as it is, Andrea’s book acknowledges that not all kids have hope or live in hopeful situations. But “hope is not static,” she says, “It can be taught and nurtured.”
I asked Andrea about some tips for creating engaging content on abstract topics. She says the key is researching the topic thoroughly and finding the right framework to express the idea.
This was such an insightful episode, and I hope you’re inspired by it.
Show highlights
- Observing despair and investigating hope
- The difference between hope and faith
- Goal setting can help you build hope
- Hope in the classroom
- Kids with strong reserves of hope
- Writing about abstract topics in an interesting way
“Hope is not static. It can be taught.”
Andrea Curtis
The Story and Science of Hope is out now from Groundwood Books.
Got any thoughts on this episode, or want to suggest authors you’d like to see on the show? Send me a note here.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on other platforms
Watch the show
About Andrea Curtis
Andrea Curtis is the award-winning author of books for young readers and adults. She recently published Loop de Loop: Circular Solutions for a Waste-Free World (Groundwood), which was honoured with the Blueberry Changemaker Award and a Stepping Stones Honor Award.
Andrea is also the author of City of Neighbors, City Streets are for People and City of Water from Groundwood, and Barnaby from Owlkids.
She lives in Toronto with her family.
Find out more about Andrea: www.andreacurtiskids.ca
About The Story and Science of Hope
Hope is more than a feeling — it can change the world! Discover how new science and ancient knowledge can help us face an uncertain world.
The Story and Science of Hope is an illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers that weaves together ancient history with surprising new scientific research showing hope is more than a feeling — it’s essential for our well-being. People who are high in hope are happier and healthier, they live longer, do better in school and have stronger friendships. Learn the history of hope, how it can be measured, learned and practiced — even where you can find hope in your brain (spoiler: it’s the bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex, above your eyes and a few centimetres inside your brain)!
Guest’s links
Buy The Story and Science of Hope
Visit Caroline’s website: https://andreacurtiskids.ca
Host’s links
Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/
Discover more from Journey of the Art
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.