Readers who would enjoy Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer are typically young adults (ages 12-16) who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven stories with themes of resilience and community. Similar to readers of Counting by 7s and Walk Two Moons, they value narratives of personal growth and overcoming adversity in small-town settings.

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer is widely praised for its heartwarming and inspiring narrative, with compelling characters that face real-life issues with resilience and optimism. Though the plot occasionally feels predictable to some readers, the overall sentiment is that Bauer beautifully captures themes of community, family, and perseverance.

In Hope Was Here, 16-year-old Hope Yancey, raised by her Aunt Addie, moves from Brooklyn to Mulhoney, Wisconsin, after their diner is shut down. They start anew at the Welcome Stairways diner, run by G.T. Stoop, who is battling leukemia. As G.T. runs for mayor against a corrupt incumbent, Hope navigates friendship, identity, and belonging, ultimately finding a sense of home and purpose. The narrative addresses voting fraud, cancer, and physical attacks.

Inspirational / Heartwarming / Hopeful / Emotional / Contemplative

- Hope Was Here was a Newbery Honor book in 2001, highlighting its appeal and significance in children's literature.
- The novel’s protagonist, Hope Yancey, originally had a different name, Tulip, which was changed due to Hope's determination to create her own identity.
- Joan Bauer is known for incorporating themes of resilience and perseverance in her works, traits that are central to the characters in Hope Was Here.

**Hope Yancey**  
A resilient and determined young woman whose passion for waitressing is both a skill and a reflection of her desire to find a place where she truly belongs. Her journey unfolds through a series of moves across the country, ultimately bringing her to a small town in Wisconsin.

**Addie Yancey**  
Hope's adoptive aunt who provides her with unwavering support and stability, showcasing a strong work ethic and commitment to her role as Hope's guardian. She is a key figure in Hope's life, influencing her character and values.

**G.T. Stoop**  
The owner of Welcome Stairways diner and a mayoral candidate in Mulhoney, Wisconsin, known for his integrity and inspirational influence on those around him. His presence brings Hope into a campaign against local political corruption.

**Eddie Braverman**  
The cook at Welcome Stairways diner who becomes Hope’s love interest, noted for his quiet strength and commitment to family. His support encourages Hope to step outside her comfort zone.

**Eli Millstone**  
The corrupt mayor of Mulhoney, Wisconsin, who serves as the primary antagonist, known for his underhanded political tactics and dishonest dealings within the town. His actions provide a stark contrast to G.T. Stoop’s campaign for change.

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