What Gives Nikki Grimes Hope

More hope. From the kidlit community, to you.  

No matter where you are. No matter what’s going on around you. No matter what is pulling your attention or competing for space in your mind. May these next few minutes offer you rest, peace, and hope.

Hope Ep. 35 - January 10, 2026

Nikki Grimes, author of A Cup of Quiet (Bloomsbury Children's Books), shares what is giving her hope today: the bravery, resilience, and determination of young people.

Listen along:

About the Book:  A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes; illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books.

From award-winning author Nikki Grimes comes a beautiful picture book about the special bond between a child and grandparent, perfect for fans of Thank You, Omu and Fry Bread.

When the squeal of tires and thrum of Grandpa's hammer fill the air, Grandma gets thirsty for a cup of quiet.

“That's silly, Grandma,” her granddaughter says. “Quiet can't fit in a cup and you can't drink it.”

But together, they venture into the garden to collect the calming sounds of nature, and their cup grows and grows.

A bee's buzz,

a leaf's crackle,

a whistling wind,

a hummingbird's whir.

By slowing down and appreciating the gentler sounds of nature, Grandma and her granddaughter step away from the hubbub of daily life and refresh. Their time together made more special by sharing a cup of quiet.

Transcript:

Nikki: "My answer is always the same: young people. As crazy and stressful and scary as the world is right now. Young people continue to be brave, resilient, and determined to make the world better. They're creating signs for the peaceful protests and starting band book clubs in their schools and neighborhoods, and volunteering at shelters and raising funds for local food banks.

Whatever needs they see around them, they are answering in concrete ways with heartfelt action and determination, and I am awed by them and it's an honor to do work. That serves them, that I hope fuels them to continue doing the good work in the world that they're doing."