Hope Was Here
by Joan Bauer
Putnam 2000
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- found family
- integrity
- resilience
- community
- coming of age
- civic engagement
- food and cooking
About this book
Sixteen-year-old Hope Yancey is a talented waitress who has moved from diner to diner with her aunt, learning to start over wherever life takes them. When they land in a small Wisconsin town, Hope finds purpose in the bustle of the restaurant and the tight-knit community around it. As local politics heat up, she discovers what it means to stand up for what’s right and to believe in herself. Heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring, this story appeals to tweens and teens who enjoy strong characters, food-filled settings, and stories about finding your place.
Setting: small-town Wisconsin diner, contemporary (late 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hope Was Here right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hope Was Here. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, found family, integrity.
How long does it take to read Hope Was Here?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hope Was Here takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hope Was Here have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hope Was Here has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hope Was Here?
Hope Was Here has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.