The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

By Gennifer Choldenko

A boy's quest to keep his family together when his mom vanishes.

4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,660 ratings

320 pages· 58,889 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Eleven-year-old Hank faces a daunting challenge when his mom disappears, leaving him to care for his toddler sister, Boo. As days pass without food or answers, Hank must seek help from a mysterious emergency contact. But reaching out could mean separation and secrets revealed. Will Hank's courage be enough to keep his family together, or will they be torn apart by the system? Dive into a heart-wrenching tale of resilience, love, and the hope for second chances as Hank navigates the complexities of family and the unknown future that awaits.

From the publisher

Everyone will be rooting for a happy ending for Hank, a boy struggling to hold his family together when his mom doesn’t come home, in this gripping story from Newbery Honor winner Gennifer Choldenko. “One of those rare and important books . . . Hank Hooperman may well be the most resourceful, courageous, and loving big brother in the history of children’s literature.”–Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR When eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home, he takes care of his toddler sister, Boo, like he always does. But it’s been a week now. They are out of food and mom has never stayed away this long… Hank knows he needs help, so he and Boo seek out the stranger listed as their emergency contact. But asking for help has consequences. It means social workers, and a new school, and having to answer questions about his mom that he’s been trying to keep secret. And if they can’t find his mom soon, Hank and Boo may end up in different foster homes–he could lose everything. Gennifer Choldenko has written a heart-wrenching, healing, and ultimately hopeful story about how complicated family can be. About how you can love someone, even when you can’t rely on them. And about the transformative power of second chances.

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