Project Animal Rescue

Hope #2

by Alyssa Milano, Debbie Rigaud, Eric S. Keyes (Illustrator)

The local animal shelter might be closing -- and it's up to Hope Roberts to save it!
Meet Hope Roberts. She's eleven years old, and she wants to be an astrophysicist. She loves swimming, Galaxy Girl comic books, and her two rescue dogs. Hope believes it's always a good day to champion a cause, defend an underdog, and save the future. And most of all, she believes in dreaming big. But though Hope seems super strong on the outside, there's another side of her, too. She's just a regular girl trying to survive middle school.

In the second book in Alyssa Milano's funny and relatable middle-grade series, Hope decides to do whatever it takes to stop the local animal shelter from closing down. It's where she found her two furry best friends -- it has to stay open so the other animals there can find their fur-ever homes, too! But can Hope get the support she needs in time to keep the shelter doors open?

Hope's relatability, kindness, empathy, and can-do attitude will inspire a generation of do-gooders. This new series is a response to the very palpable feeling that not only can young people save the world -- they will!

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

Actress and activist Alyssa Milano has spent almost her entire life in the public eye. A famous child actor, she has continued to work throughout her adulthood in both television and film, most notably starring in the wildly popular television series Who's the Boss? and Charmed.

Alyssa is also a lifelong activist and is passionate about fighting for human rights around the world. In 2003, UNICEF invited Alyssa to become a National Ambassador in recognition of her charitable work on behalf of children. Ever since then, Alyssa has been a champion of children's rights, working closely with UNICEF to raise money and awareness and provide aid to the children who need it most all over the world.

Alyssa also speaks to kids in schools around the country about the importance of voting and teaches them how to fill out a ballot because she believes it's never too early to be civic-minded. Most recently, Alyssa is known for popularizing the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter, sparking the massive viral movement. She was named one of the 2017 Persons of the Year in Time magazine alongside other prestigious activists. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two kids.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Project Middle School a few months ago and it was a brand new book at the time. I was surprised to see a new edition in Hope's story out so soon, but when I saw this on Hoopla, I immediately snatched it so I could listen in on Hope's new adventures.

Project Animal Rescue picks up right where Project Middle School left off. Hope is trying to save one of the local animal rescues that is going to be shuttered in the next few weeks. Hope immediately jumps into action, sponsoring a doggie daycare and other events to raise money for the rescue shelter. In true Hope fashion, she visits the shelter and immediately becomes good friends with the director of the shelter, a young woman who has dreams as big as Hope. When Hope gets news that the shelter will be closing earlier than expected, will she be able to save the shelter in time?

I ended up binge listening to this book in one sitting. What can I say? The chapters are short and the plot moves along at a pace that is hard to pull yourself out of. That being said, Hope is so unlike any other middle schooler I've ever met. She is well-spoken, driven (borderline obsessive at times, which is problematic), and is willing to stop at nothing to get her way. Maybe I'm not interacting with the right middle schoolers, but I can't think of a single middle schooler that would behave in the way Hope does. Perhaps that's the point though - to get middle schoolers to take action in their communities for things they believe in.

Was this book enjoyable? Yes
Would I put it in my classroom library? Probably
Would I recommend it? Ehhh
Will I read the next installment in Hope's adventures, Project Class President that comes out this fall? I'm going to put my money on yes

This book is perfect for upper elementary and early middle school readers.

[Alexius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring book about a girl named Hope who fights for a animal shelter in her community. It also has cute and relatable themes like sisterhood, friendship, and crushes. This book is rated G. I definitely will be reading the rest of the series.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyssa Milano’s Hope #2: Project Animal Rescue is a beautiful story with fun illustrations and well-crafted characters. Meet Hope Roberts, a brilliant and ambitious young scientist. When she learns that her local shelter, where she adopted her two adorable dogs, is in danger of shutting down, she will do anything to prevent it from happening. But will she be able to save the shelter in time? This is book two in Alyssa Milano and Debbie Rigaud’s Hope series, with illustrator Eric Keyes, who worked on The Simpsons. This book is geared toward ages 8-12, but it is a fun and inspiring read for all ages. In this lighthearted journey, you will find yourself invested in what will happen to the shelter and all of Hope’s hopes along with it. Hope: Project Animal Rescue is all about working hard and helping your friends.
Sabina E., age 11, Greater Los Angeles Mensa

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 continues the new cause for Hope and her friends. This time she wants to save a local animal rescue shelter and jumps forward without taking time to plan. Readers see more character development for all of the characters - family and friends. Hope learns to be more sensitive to listening and supporting her friends and their passions. She figures out how to learn from them and balance her own passions with being a better friend and family member. I like the ending as it is realistic in how it solve the main problem.

[Anna Salvesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope tries to keep the animal shelter open where she got her two pets. They need $20,000 to do so. Hope is proud and sad. She is proud because she spoke up in front of like 100 people. Hope is sad because her speech did not work. One person said yea, the other two said nay. So Hope is really sad her plan did not work and the shelter may close. At the end, Hope is happy for yappy hour.Hope is ridiculously happy because the shelter is going to stay open!! Yay!! Hope is happy she takes a photo with her crush. Hope and Sam's (her BFF) crushes all take a group photo together.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book in this series, but I wanted to read this one because of the topic. I thought this was a cute, simple book that had a great message about advocating for rescue dogs. Many kids don't know much about where dogs come from, so it always warms my heart to see kids feeling passionate about animal shelters and rescues. I felt like the characters and descriptions throughout the book could've been more interesting, but overall, this is a great book for teaching kids about helping animals in need.