Whispers of Hope

Finding Strength in Crisis (Against the Odds: Chronicles of Resilience, Book 2)

De: Jordan Smith Jr. Ed.D.

Narrado por: Melli Achna

Diversity Dawn Academy is back for another year, and Benjamin and Sarah are in a pickle! Between the overwhelming number of new applications, the ever-snappy, always obstinate school board of the Ridgefield school district, and a full-blown pandemic...

...Yeah, it's safe to say the pair's got their work cut out for them!

Despite the chaos, everything had been going swimmingly at Diversity Dawn Academy. With all-time high enrollment rates, all the communal support they could ever ask for, and an absolutely immaculate graduation rate, everything was as perfect as could be.

That is, once they were blindsided by the number of new students applying for the program. Of course, that would have been a wonderful thing—had the number of applicants not been ten times what they could hope to house.

Evan Peters, president of the Ridgefield City School Board, gave them two options: either they cut the program in its entirety, for it was becoming a threat to the traditional comprehensive high school, or Benjamin and Sarah could find a place to accommodate all those students themselves...

And thus, Diversity Dawn High School was born!

From dyslexic students and those coming from neglectful parenting, all the way down to victims of gang violence and those harboring suicidal thoughts, the school became a safe haven for students of all sorts. Under the gentle care of their teachers and friends, bit by bit, the children's ailments and troubles began to ebb away.

Just when everything seemed to be going splendidly once again, disaster struck when a deadly virus suddenly appeared, forcing the school to shut down in-person instruction and sending the whole world into a frenzy.

Will Benjamin, Sarah, and all their students make it over this hurdle, or will this mark the end of Diversity Dawn High School?

©2024 Jordan B Smith Jr. Ed.D. (P)2024 Jordan B Smith Jr. Ed.D.

real talk that stayed with me

This audiobook caught me off guard. I’ve been dealing with some heavy stuff lately, and hearing someone reflect on navigating their own chaos without acting like they had it all together? That meant something. No fluff, no perfect answers, just raw, real reminders that moving forward is still possible, even when everything feels upside down.

We all of variations of these struggles...

This engrossing book has characters dealing with mental and emotional challenges that visit upon all of us at one point or another in life. The author crafted a beautifully paced story with characters I cared about and wanted to see succeed.

Every character and personality provided a unique perspective in how to meet societal and internal challenges that come with living in our digital age. I appreciated that each story line offered insights for any reader to run with and make their own as one chooses to develop and enriching life.

I really enjoyed this book!

Held My Hand Through a Dark Season

When everything in my life felt like it was falling apart, this book showed up like a quiet companion. The stories weren’t sugarcoated, but they weren’t hopeless either. There’s something powerful about hearing people find strength in what looks like ruin. I found myself pausing often to breathe or reflect. It helped me reframe what I’m going through—not by pretending it’s okay, but by reminding me I still have something inside me worth fighting for.

Finding Light in Quiet Moments

Whispers of Hope is a beautiful, soul-soothing audiobook that offers comfort, encouragement, and clarity during life’s uncertain moments. It felt like sitting with a wise friend who knows just what to say when your heart is heavy. The reflections are peaceful and grounding, blending inspiration with quiet strength. It reminded me to slow down, breathe deeply, and trust that light always finds its way back. Whether you’re seeking renewal, healing, or just a calming presence in your day, this audiobook is a gentle companion filled with grace and hope.

Excellent story with a fun end

I enjoyed listening to Diversity Dawn High School. It’s an inspiring story about two educators doing everything they can to create a safe and supportive space for students who need it most.

The audiobook touches on real challenges—school politics, mental health, and even a pandemic—all while staying hopeful. It’s not too heavy, just a good, down-to-earth listen with heart.

An inspirational listen

This topic is thoughtful and genuine and the authors wroting felt smooth and personal. The narration was nice to listen and added depth to really bring the stories to life.

Hope is messy, but it matters

This felt less like a novel and more like a heart check. the challenges Benjamin and Sarah face—especially launching a new school in the middle of a crisis—felt real without being preachy. The book doesn't pretend things are easy, but it does show how people can still show up for each other when everything's falling apart. I liked that the kids had actual struggles and weren't just plot points. some parts got a little tidy, but I didn’t mind. it made me feel like resilience is possible, even when the odds suck.

A story of resilience during a difficult time

"Against The Odds - Chronicles of Resilience" tells the story of four families facing difficult times when the pandemic hits. Ben and Sarah are two co-founders of a new Academy and find themselves growing closer. Then there's Liam, a high school student, who is forced to move in with his grandparents while taking care of his younger siblings. James is another high school student struggling to fit in as he attends high school for the first time and is anxious about meeting kids. Cameron dreams about becoming a basketball star, until an incident at his school causes him and his sister to move to Diversity Dawn Academy, run by Ben and Sarah. Finally, Amelia is a high school student pregnant with her second child and dreaming of getting out of the city. Then COVID strikes, and everyone's lives are turned upside down. Each family struggles in their own way but shows resiliency during a difficult time. These young characters are very relatable and can teach young people about staying resilient during difficult times, as eventually everything works out.