Recently, I was talking with two friends about a YA book I had recommended. Neither of them connected with the book, though they had enjoyed other books I'd recommended before in the past. I couldn't explain exactly what I had liked about the book because it had been several years since I'd read it. So, I headed for the library to check it out. The book was Hope Was Here , but Joan Bauer. The book is recommended for ages 12 and up (7th grade). I have found with other books by Ms. Bauer that I usually think the recommended age should be two years above what it is. The story is about a teenage girl named Hope. The story begins with her traveling to Minnesota with her Aunt Addie, who is essentially her mom. They are leaving their restaurant where her aunt was cook and she was a waitress. Addie's partner stole their money and they were forced to close up shop. The story follows Hope's journey in this new place. Much of the ...