Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer conveys the enduring growth of optimism of a young teenager, Hope, a thriving waitress who helps her Aunt Addie operate Stairway Diner, owned by G.T. Stoop, stricken with leukemia. As Hope adjust and embraces changes in her life and new environment, she develops lasting friendship and relationships with her customers and spreads a bit of sunshine—“hope” in their lives.  She discovers that the people who truly matter are those who surround her with support, encouragement, and lasting impressions.

Joan Bauer, an amazing author who provides reflective “food for thought" worthy text within her heart-warming words of wisdom in Hope Was Here, a Newbery Honor Book. Hope Was Here demonstrates the genuine relationship between Hope, Aunt Addie, G.T. Scoop, Braverman, customers of Stairways Diner, and the townspeople of Mulhoney, Wisconsin as they work together, in their mission to get G.T. Scoop elected as Mayer. Hope is on journey with Aunt Addie, and together they discover their new home, life, and enduring love that centers around "hope and perseverance."

Joan Bauer’s Hope Was Here is a must read book that inspires young adolescence to become active and productive members of society in a positive manner. It further allows the reader to truly remember that even the uncertainty and negative aspects of life can have a brighter outlook when you least expect. For me, this is one of those books that is a “jewel” because it presents so many relative connections of true lessons learned. My rating of Hope Was Here is without a doubt a “5.”