It’s the summer of 1916, and it’s the last day of the school year for 12-year-old Epateen Vallez. But instead of a summer full of fun, WWI is raging throughout Europe, and Epateen and her family are forced to flee their English farm and travel to safer towns, eventually landing in Ireland, where they anxiously await the return home of Epateen’s brother Nolan, who is fighting in the war.

In this Historical Coming-of-Age Novella, Debut Author Maya Gideon (who is now in 7th grade) takes us on an incredibly poignant journey – one filled with heart along with the hopes and wishes of all children trying to live everyday life in the midst of war. PRAISE FOR THE HOPE OF EPATEEN:“Maya Gideon is a brilliant debut author! And considering the fact she’s in 7th grade, this achievement of a perfectly crafted historical novella (let alone from the point of view of a 12-year-old girl in Europe in WWI) is beyond special! I can’t wait for more from Maya!”~~ D.

D. Scott, International Bestselling AuthorABOUT THE AUTHOR:Maya Gideon started writing this book for fun when she was 10 years old.

Now, in 2024, at the time of publication, she’s in 7th grade. She enjoys school, and ELA is her favorite subject.

She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her parents.

She does competitive gymnastics and loves to hang out with friends and family. .