by Dr. Elfrieda (Freddy) H. Hiebert 
At TextProject, we believe that literacy is the gateway to agency. But beyond the mechanics of reading lies the why: the stories that stay with us, the books that make us look at a common bird or a quiet hobby and see something profound. I am thrilled to announce the revival of Freddy’s Favorites, a curated space where I share books that I find truly worthwhile, important, and—above all—filled with hope.
To me, hope in children’s literature isn’t always about a grand, “happily ever after” ending. Often, it is found in the cleverness of nature. Take crows, for example. I’ll admit I often find them irritating, but reading about their sophisticated problem-solving and social structures in Clever Crow (Gill, 2025) shifts my perspective. There is hope in realizing that intelligence and adaptation are everywhere, even in the “pests” in our backyards.
I also find deep inspiration in the stories of individuals who build something from nothing. In Rock by Rock (Bradbury, 2021), we see the story of Nek Chand, who transformed discarded materials into a secret kingdom of art. It reminds us that agency—the power to change our environment—is a pathway to hope.
And then, there are the quiet companions. Growing up in a house overflowing with greenery, I’ve always found houseplants to be energizing. (Yes, I do talk to them!) When I pick up a graphic novel like How to Talk to Your Succulent (Persico, 2025), I’m reminded that caring for another living thing—even a quiet, stubborn plant—is an act of optimism.
Whether you are a teacher looking to inspire a classroom or a parent sharing a bedtime story, these books offer more than just words. They offer a “Literature of Hope” that celebrates the agency of a crow, the vision of an artist, and the simple joy of a thriving houseplant.
February Book Giveaway: Win Clever Crow or Condor Comeback
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