Hope Was Here (2000)

00009669

Written quite a while ago, but seems pretty reflective of current young adult activism (tho different subject).
Hope, 14 yrs old, lives with her aunt since her Mom left. They are moving to WI from NY for a new work oppportunity and Hope is concerned about what kind of a life they'll have. Corrupt politicians and a boss with leukemia give her plenty to get involved with and is how she meets and becomes friends with other teens, in between her summer job hours.
Hope is an inveterate writer, and a kind & intelligent person. I like that she writes down tips to being a great waitress. How many readers might end up waitressing at some point in their lives? Probably plenty, so they are learning some job skills at the same time they are enjoying a story.
While I love reading books featuring my home state (WI), Mulhoney is definitely NOT a name we would ever have for one of our towns. It felt strange to keep reading that. ( )

Sweet story, but underdeveloped. Very simplistic. Just wish it had been...more. ( )

Since she was a premature baby in the NICU and was abandoned by her mother, Hope has lived with her Aunt Addie, and since Addie is a cook who travels from job to job, Hope has lived in many places and is becoming a fairly good traveling waitress, too. She loves Addie, but hates all the uprooting, and is convinced that she will hate their latest relocation - a small town in Wisconsin. But when the owner of the restaurant where they work announces that he's running against the corrupt mayor in the upcoming election, Hope finds herself involved in this place and its people more than she would ever have guessed.
A lovely and sweet story that doesn't get too saccharine, with nicely developed characters and a thoughtful message. Definitely recommended. ( )

Elementary