Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer (copyright 2000, published by Penguin Group) is one of my all time favorite books. Hope and her aunt, Addie, have recently been swindled out of their money, and move down to the small town of Mulhoney, Wisconsin, where they start working at the diner that will change their lives forever. The Welcome Stairways diner is owned by GT Stoop, a man with a plan to run against and dethrone the corrupt mayor of Mulhoney. Hope soon starts making new friends, campaign plans, and finally settling in to a place she just might be able to call home.

Hope Was Here is a proud Newberry Honor Book, the winner of the Christopher Award, and ALA Notable Book, and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Bauer weaves a stellar web of plot intertwined with character development that will leave the reader laughing, crying, and dying for more.

This book is appropriate for any teen reader. It does deal with some thematic elements (cancer, maternal issues), but is well worth the read. There are very few, if any, profanities. The romance factor is low, with only a few kisses scattered throughout the book.

Happy readings!

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