Amazon Customer Reviews:
(Five Star) "I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was honest and well written and gave a lot of insight into how kids can grow up, be faced with all kinds of challenges, and face the consequences and judgements of their actions. Sometimes all it takes is one person to step in and recognize there is more to a person than what they know about their past actions. Kudos to Tony for being open to letting positive people in his life and for taking the initiative to turn his life around. While I do not know Tony personally, I have seen him coaching football with the kids and his commitment and dedication to them are outstanding and he is a good role model."
(Five Star) "The story of Tony, a high school student with a lot to overcome, is truly inspirational. As a former teacher, I couldn't put the book down. This is a wonderful story of a dedicated and caring teacher, who would not let her student fail. Every high school student should read this book. Tony is a great role model."
( Five Star) "Tony displayed maturity beyond his years when he humbled himself and asked for help. Connie displayed maturity and wisdom when handling Tony. An uplifting story about a kid who could have been left behind."
( Five Star) " I couldn't put the book down. A true testament of God's amazing love! I will definitely recommend this book to my family and friends!"
(Five Star) Sitting with Connie!
"While reading this book, I felt like Connie and I were sitting at a local coffee shop and she was telling me this story. Very personable and enlightening. She gives a good picture of life for teens growing up in a difficult environment! A thoroughly enjoyable book."
( Five Star) "This review is not without bias. Tony Daniels was my paramedic student and when he told me about this book (post graduation) I had to read it the same day. First I have to remark that Tony is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. While I was his instructor I knew nothing of the challenges he had faced in high school - but I knew the moment I met him that he was special. The author writes in a manner that is readible for a wide array of reading levels including young adults. She stayed with the storytelling aspect allowing readers to consider and develop their own conclusion as to the social issues inner city students face. As a paramedic I am very familiar with the neighborhood in which Tony spent much of his youth and it is very accurately described. I recommend this book for the story it tells."
(Four Star) "This is a very inspiring story of a young black man in America who had a promising football career. He was eventually rescued by his white teacher who gave him the attention that he needed to become a solid (sic) citizen. I suppose the interesting point to the story is how many other kids (? black) are there in America who have not had the advantage of a caring mentor and who have wasted their lives, probably in prison."
( Five Star) "I have a small advantage on this book, I met the author, after talking to her, I had to read her book. She is just as caring and interesting in the book as she is in real life. If everyone cared about the youth of today, HALF as much as she does, this world would be a much better place. Can't wait to read more of her series."
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Allison Bruning, award winning blogger says,
"Constance has written a wonderful book titled The Great Black Hope that tells the real life story of how one high school star football player overcame his reading problems. It's a touching story that is near and dear to my heart because I believe everyone should be able to read. Tony's story isn't all that uncommon. There are many teens out there that hide their reading problems because they don't want lose respect from their peers. It takes alot of courage for these kids to come out in the open and admit they are struggling."
(Five Star) "I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was honest and well written and gave a lot of insight into how kids can grow up, be faced with all kinds of challenges, and face the consequences and judgements of their actions. Sometimes all it takes is one person to step in and recognize there is more to a person than what they know about their past actions. Kudos to Tony for being open to letting positive people in his life and for taking the initiative to turn his life around. While I do not know Tony personally, I have seen him coaching football with the kids and his commitment and dedication to them are outstanding and he is a good role model."
(Five Star) "The story of Tony, a high school student with a lot to overcome, is truly inspirational. As a former teacher, I couldn't put the book down. This is a wonderful story of a dedicated and caring teacher, who would not let her student fail. Every high school student should read this book. Tony is a great role model."
( Five Star) "Tony displayed maturity beyond his years when he humbled himself and asked for help. Connie displayed maturity and wisdom when handling Tony. An uplifting story about a kid who could have been left behind."
( Five Star) " I couldn't put the book down. A true testament of God's amazing love! I will definitely recommend this book to my family and friends!"
(Five Star) Sitting with Connie!
"While reading this book, I felt like Connie and I were sitting at a local coffee shop and she was telling me this story. Very personable and enlightening. She gives a good picture of life for teens growing up in a difficult environment! A thoroughly enjoyable book."
( Five Star) "This review is not without bias. Tony Daniels was my paramedic student and when he told me about this book (post graduation) I had to read it the same day. First I have to remark that Tony is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. While I was his instructor I knew nothing of the challenges he had faced in high school - but I knew the moment I met him that he was special. The author writes in a manner that is readible for a wide array of reading levels including young adults. She stayed with the storytelling aspect allowing readers to consider and develop their own conclusion as to the social issues inner city students face. As a paramedic I am very familiar with the neighborhood in which Tony spent much of his youth and it is very accurately described. I recommend this book for the story it tells."
(Four Star) "This is a very inspiring story of a young black man in America who had a promising football career. He was eventually rescued by his white teacher who gave him the attention that he needed to become a solid (sic) citizen. I suppose the interesting point to the story is how many other kids (? black) are there in America who have not had the advantage of a caring mentor and who have wasted their lives, probably in prison."
( Five Star) "I have a small advantage on this book, I met the author, after talking to her, I had to read her book. She is just as caring and interesting in the book as she is in real life. If everyone cared about the youth of today, HALF as much as she does, this world would be a much better place. Can't wait to read more of her series."
______________________
Allison Bruning, award winning blogger says,
"Constance has written a wonderful book titled The Great Black Hope that tells the real life story of how one high school star football player overcame his reading problems. It's a touching story that is near and dear to my heart because I believe everyone should be able to read. Tony's story isn't all that uncommon. There are many teens out there that hide their reading problems because they don't want lose respect from their peers. It takes alot of courage for these kids to come out in the open and admit they are struggling."