Pinto's Hope

By Deborah A. Harrell

Book Overview

In a small remote village in El Salvador Pinto Morales and his family struggle to rebuild their lives. Twelve-year-old Pinto dreams of going to the university and playing professional soccer. But a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595265146
• ISBN13: 9780595265145
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 7 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 2 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Pinto?s Hope

Talking to children about war can be difficult. So how does one even begin to help children understand such things as land mines, and their terrible consequences to the innocent? In Pinto's Hope author Deborah A. Harrell reveals how land mines continue to kill and mutilate in war-torn countries, long after the fighting is over. Living in El Salvador with his mother and younger sister, twelve-year-old Pinto dreams of going to the university some day and perhaps playing soccer, professionally. But when Pinto and his friends select the wrong spot for a game of soccer, a land mine shatters his leg and his dreams.The story follows Pinto's recovery as he valiantly adapts to life with crutches. With the love of his family and best friend Joa, Pinto learns to cope. But when he travels outside of his small village, to go to the market with his mother, he gets a harsh lesson in how the world treats those with physical disabilities. We have come to know this great kid who has learned to do his chores with crutches and has summoned the courage to return to school. Now he is forced to realize that the world only sees him as a cripple.Pinto's Hope is a well-written story with wonderfully developed characters and setting. Not only will young readers learn about land mines but in getting to know Pinto and the challenges he faces, they should better understand the challenges faced by classmates with disabilities. One would have a very hard heart indeed, not to be touched by Pinto. I strongly encourage parents, grandparents and teachers to introduce their youngsters to Pinto.

A Compelling Story of the Human Spirit

Pinto's Hope is an inspiring portrait of a young boy faced with a terrible tragedy and his triumph over it. An exceptionally vivid and stirring account of the land mine crisis that exists today. Clearly and well written with literature discussion questions, and a glossary of terms. Can be used in the middle school classroom with the CIR/Northwestern University Artificial Limb Design Project or individually. An excellent book for the young reader who wants to learn more about the world around them.