A Boy Called Hopeless

by David Melton, Todd Melton (Illustrator)

Fifteen-year-old Mary Jane describes her family's reactions when they discover that her younger brother is brain injured and their decision to participate in a program of rehabilitation together.

Genres: Fiction

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Stacy Pershall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this out of the library over and over again as a kid. (Why they had it in the Prairie Grove Elementary School library, I don't know, but whatever.) I was fascinated by the idea of "patterning" and found it slightly creepy. Looking back on it, I realize it's propaganda for Glenn Doman's technique, which has been discounted as quackery after failing numerous clinical trials. Apparently the "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny" concept on which it's based is an outdated theory. Still, it's food for thought, and I'd definitely read it again if I could get my hands on a copy.

[Virginia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very confusing book to me. It states that it is a work of fiction; yet, some of the names are real, although many are not. The situation is a composite of many stories and many people; yet it is written like an autobiography. Why would you write a fiction and include real names?

It is written for Junior high readers but it seems to be written for idiots. The writing is tedious and over-simplistic. The dialogue is unbelievable. The book is set in the mid to late 70s so some of the language is archaic.

I doubt some of the details. They seem to be exaggerated. It's as if a pre-teen were retelling the time they saw a huge rat. By the time the story is retold the rat is the size of a house and was wearing a hat.

I have seen the technique of "patterning" in action. So I know this practice at least is true.

I don't know why this book was written. Was it to inform people of brain injuries? how to "cure" them? the tedious and daunting practices of the institute and medical professionals? I can't tell you, but I know I was not pleased with it.

[Temperance · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good book and heart warming. educational too!

[Lexi Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting that a kid who would be put into special needs classes could just be brain injured. It makes me serious wonder how real this is. As someone who is super passionate about helping those with special needs and advocating for them, I loved this book.

[Ankit Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it a long time ago. I didn't even remember it. But just today I don't know how that phrase came to my mind and I remembered this book.

I don't remember it clearly but it was indeed a very very good book. It tells the story of a boy who is born abnormal and couldn't do most things which normal human beings could do. The family in which he was born was a bit distorted, people didn't like each other much. But after the birth of this boy everybody was affectionate to him. Everybody cared for him, love him and did everything for him. Soon unknowingly the rest of the family members started to love each other as well and The Hopeless Boy became A Miraculous Boy.

It is a well written story showing how much a brain injured person suffers along with their family. This book tells you that people who are brain injured can get better and can overcome this setback. Good for parents of recently diagnosed children, as well as siblings trying to understand why their disabled brother or sister needs so much attention and love!

[Milagros · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why was this book ever in my school library? I remembered reading it and being quite impressed with how the "brain injured" child was miraculously healed with the special treatment given. Only later, as an adult, I remembered and looked into it. If this ruddy book were true, you'd no longer have any brain damaged children. The book is just a poor propaganda piece to sell people into pseudo-scientific quack treatments pushed by some "Institute." Garbage at its worst, because is aimed at unsuspecting kids.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about raising a special needs child ("brain injured", probably now would qualify as CP). Written from the perspective of his sister. An interesting read and enjoyable- especially since I'm a PT, but probably not one I will read again. It is amazing to see how much health care has changed for these children

[Partridge Public]

Melton, David N.

[Laura Chambers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this when I was in 3rd grade, I think - I barely remember it but I think it was good.

[Saddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It gives a lot of info about what it was like having an illness back then.