The Hope Raisers: How a Group of Young Kenyans Fought to Transform Their Slum and Inspire a Community

In this ambitious nonfiction volume, Suthar (The Corridor of Uncertainty) chronicles the adventures of the Hope Raisers, a group of Kenyan teens seeking to uplift their neighborhood through communal enrichment. High school student Daniel Onyango initially set up the Hope Raisers as a music troupe to bring joy to his hometown Korogocho, but he soon realized the impact that creative pursuits can have on social change. When Daniel sees wealthier children rollerblading for the first time, he and his friend Mutura Kuria pool their money to buy a secondhand pair and teach themselves, and other neighborhood children, to skate. Despite economic challenges and a lack of support from their elders, the Hope Raisers eventually enter and begin placing in rollerblading contests, garnering international acclaim. Extended exposition and a focus on Kenyan political corruption occasionally shifts focus away from the Hope Raisers’ mission. Nevertheless, Suthar thoughtfully celebrates the indomitable human spirit by indicating that consistent hard work and persistence pays off, and that “we too are capable of creating change.” Ages 13–up. (Nov.)