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Finding Grace
Ten-year-old Hope is a bit of a loner with a wonderful imagination. Growing up in the 1950s with a single mother and a mysteriously absent father, the letters she writes to her imaginary friend, Grace, help her cope with the difficult times in her her mother's depression, their money worries, struggles to make friends at school and her grandmother's death.
On her eleventh birthday, Hope is shocked to learn that Grace is a real person--her twin sister, who contracted polio and was adopted when they were toddlers. Hope believes that finding Grace is the only way she can help her mother deal with her guilt. Hope's hunt for her sister takes her and her mother to the tiny community of Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia. There she finally meets Grace, who is all the things Hope wishes she could be. They become friends, but Hope doesn't know how to tell Grace the truth. How can she have a relationship with her sister based on lies and secrets? A crisis will force her mother to be the adult she needs to be and allow Hope and Grace the chance to be children together.
On her eleventh birthday, Hope is shocked to learn that Grace is a real person--her twin sister, who contracted polio and was adopted when they were toddlers. Hope believes that finding Grace is the only way she can help her mother deal with her guilt. Hope's hunt for her sister takes her and her mother to the tiny community of Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia. There she finally meets Grace, who is all the things Hope wishes she could be. They become friends, but Hope doesn't know how to tell Grace the truth. How can she have a relationship with her sister based on lies and secrets? A crisis will force her mother to be the adult she needs to be and allow Hope and Grace the chance to be children together.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 17, 2016
Do not be fooled: The publisher’s description of Finding Grace makes it sound like a cross between The Parent Trap and an
ABC Afterschool Special
that’s relocated to Canada. Nothing could be further from the truth!
As Finding Grace, a nominee for the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, is best approached without too much foreknowledge, I don’t want to say too much; however, I will reveal what the publishers did: Hope King discovers on her eleventh birthday that she has a twin sister named Grace. A loner, Hope has been secretly writing letters to what she thought was an imaginary friend named Grace. Soon thereafter, Hope devises a plot to try to track down her long-lost sister.
Author Becky Citra imbues her novel with realistic characters, a wonderful feel for the 1950s, and a plot that will have you in suspense until the very last chapter. She deals honestly with the limitations of the era and the hardships that clinical depression can cause. Citra also reminds that, as hard as it is for children to march to their own drummers today, their plight was much, much worse in the conformist 1950s. A delight for children and adults alike. Highly, highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Second Story Press in exchange for an honest review.
As Finding Grace, a nominee for the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, is best approached without too much foreknowledge, I don’t want to say too much; however, I will reveal what the publishers did: Hope King discovers on her eleventh birthday that she has a twin sister named Grace. A loner, Hope has been secretly writing letters to what she thought was an imaginary friend named Grace. Soon thereafter, Hope devises a plot to try to track down her long-lost sister.
Author Becky Citra imbues her novel with realistic characters, a wonderful feel for the 1950s, and a plot that will have you in suspense until the very last chapter. She deals honestly with the limitations of the era and the hardships that clinical depression can cause. Citra also reminds that, as hard as it is for children to march to their own drummers today, their plight was much, much worse in the conformist 1950s. A delight for children and adults alike. Highly, highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Second Story Press in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2018
It is the mid 1950s (in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) and lonely eleven year old Hope King spends her days (when she is not taking swimming lessons or at school) both reading and writing heartfelt, often sad letters to her imaginary friend Grace (not only to pass the time but also because she needs to confide her worries, her annoyances, her personal anger issues regarding her single mother Flora's depression and often strange, sometimes even nasty behaviours to someone, even if it is only a supposedly imaginary friend and companion). When her grandmother (with whom Grace and Flora have been living in cramped quarters since Flora lost her job for repeatedly not showing up for work and thus being unable to afford to pay rent) suddenly dies of a stroke, a long-held and devastating family secret is revealed, namely that Hope's imaginary friend Grace is actually not so imaginary after all, but her fraternal twin sister, given up for adoption after she contracted polio as a two year old (and convinced that most of her mother's mental health concerns, that her strange and frustrating behaviours are in fact primarily because Flora is missing Grace and needs to find out how she is faring, Hope suggests that the two of them travel to Harrison Hot Springs, where Grace supposedly now lives with her "Aunt" Eve after her adoptive parents were killed in a car accident).
Becky Citra's Finding Grace is part of Second Story Press's Gutsy Girls series, but it is in truth and in fact not only main protagonist Hope who can and should be considered as gutsy and brave (for while Hope might originally not appear as all that personally strong and sure of herself, when the proverbial excrement is hitting the fan so to speak, when she discovers that she has a twin sister, it is indeed she who both suggests to and even demands of her mother that they go and find Grace and that she also has a right to know and meet her adopted out twin sister). And although Hope's grandmother might well be majorly eccentric, with an often cuttingly sarcastic edge to her, until she dies, she often and in fact generally speaking acts as Hope's primary and main caregiver (even amply providing for Hope and Flora after her death with a life insurance policy, not to mention that it is only because the grandmother has kept contact with Grace's adoptive parents and asked for yearly photographs of Grace to be sent to her that Flora and Hope even know where to look for Grace). Furthermore, Grace herself, is shown and portrayed by Becky Citra as an outgoing and sociable, generally happy-go-lucky girl who does not allow her painful leg (due to her bout with polio) to interfere with having fun (whilst Grace's Aunt Eve is very much akin and alike to Hope's grandmother in many ways, tough but always fair-minded, an intelligent business woman, who until Flora redeems herself by becoming active and saving Grace's life, also serves as quite the character foil to and for the latter, as Flora, as Hope and Grace's mother, until the potential tragedy of Grace drowning finally forces her to throw off her depression and spring into action, would usually rather remain in bed bemoaning her setbacks, her life's many disappointments).
From a personal reading pleasure point of view, Finding Grace has proven to be a most enjoyable read (with Becky Citra's allusions to especially L.M. Montgomery's Jane of Lantern Hill providing the sweet icing on an already most delicious cake for me). And although especially at the beginning of the novel, Flora's behaviour both grated on and often much infuriated me, the fact remains that the author has portrayed psychological depression and how depression has the tendency to paralyse and emotionally stagnate its sufferers realistically and with both compassion and empathy (making Flora appear as fragile and emotionally labile but also never losing sight of the inconvenient and frustrating truth that until Hope and Grace's mother throws caution to the wind to save Grace from drowning, Flora is often rather majorly inconsiderate and sadly self-absorbed, self indulgent, her mental health challenges and crises absolutely quite majorly notwithstanding).
Becky Citra's Finding Grace is part of Second Story Press's Gutsy Girls series, but it is in truth and in fact not only main protagonist Hope who can and should be considered as gutsy and brave (for while Hope might originally not appear as all that personally strong and sure of herself, when the proverbial excrement is hitting the fan so to speak, when she discovers that she has a twin sister, it is indeed she who both suggests to and even demands of her mother that they go and find Grace and that she also has a right to know and meet her adopted out twin sister). And although Hope's grandmother might well be majorly eccentric, with an often cuttingly sarcastic edge to her, until she dies, she often and in fact generally speaking acts as Hope's primary and main caregiver (even amply providing for Hope and Flora after her death with a life insurance policy, not to mention that it is only because the grandmother has kept contact with Grace's adoptive parents and asked for yearly photographs of Grace to be sent to her that Flora and Hope even know where to look for Grace). Furthermore, Grace herself, is shown and portrayed by Becky Citra as an outgoing and sociable, generally happy-go-lucky girl who does not allow her painful leg (due to her bout with polio) to interfere with having fun (whilst Grace's Aunt Eve is very much akin and alike to Hope's grandmother in many ways, tough but always fair-minded, an intelligent business woman, who until Flora redeems herself by becoming active and saving Grace's life, also serves as quite the character foil to and for the latter, as Flora, as Hope and Grace's mother, until the potential tragedy of Grace drowning finally forces her to throw off her depression and spring into action, would usually rather remain in bed bemoaning her setbacks, her life's many disappointments).
From a personal reading pleasure point of view, Finding Grace has proven to be a most enjoyable read (with Becky Citra's allusions to especially L.M. Montgomery's Jane of Lantern Hill providing the sweet icing on an already most delicious cake for me). And although especially at the beginning of the novel, Flora's behaviour both grated on and often much infuriated me, the fact remains that the author has portrayed psychological depression and how depression has the tendency to paralyse and emotionally stagnate its sufferers realistically and with both compassion and empathy (making Flora appear as fragile and emotionally labile but also never losing sight of the inconvenient and frustrating truth that until Hope and Grace's mother throws caution to the wind to save Grace from drowning, Flora is often rather majorly inconsiderate and sadly self-absorbed, self indulgent, her mental health challenges and crises absolutely quite majorly notwithstanding).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2016
This story takes place in Vancouver and Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia in 1954. Hope Rose King and her mother Flora have moved again, into the same apartment building as her Granny. Hopt starts at a new school and has no friends, due to being a little prickly, she has difficulty making any. Hope has one friend, imaginary Grace. She constantly writes letters to this friend pouring out her thoughts and feelings. She is supposed to be doing a class assignment about her family history but knows very little about her family history. She does not know who her father is, it is just her, her mother and her granny. Her Mother just lost her job and they are forced to move once again, this time in with her Granny in her crowded apartment. Her mother has a mysterious "illness" that comes and goes and causes her to be depressed. When her Granny has a stroke and dies shortly after they move in Hope feels as if it is somehow their fault. After Granny dies, Hope finds out that Grace may not be imaginary after all.
Discovering who Grace is will turn into a life changing trip for eleven year old Hope and her Mother. A great story about friendship and family relationships.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Discovering who Grace is will turn into a life changing trip for eleven year old Hope and her Mother. A great story about friendship and family relationships.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2019
At first reading of the blurb, I thought that this book might have been a bit of a Parent Trap styled text with the main characters being long-lost twins. The book starts with Hope having to create a family tree - of course; she fakes it as all her family contains herself, mother and grandmother. For as long as she can remember it has always been just the three of them, and she has relied a lot on her grandmother as her mother has dark days. Hope's release is writing letters to her imaginary friend Grace whom she has had since she was three years old. When Hope's grandmother suddenly passes, and they move into her house, she finds an envelope with photos of a girl who looks just like her except her name is Grace - just like her imaginary friend. Soon Hope will learn the dark truth behind Grace and how she was separated from birth with her twin sister and that all these years, that dark secret is why her mother has had her "dark days." What will happen though when Hope tracks down Grace? Will it be a happy reunion? I have to admit I was a little disappointed at the end and also the initial meeting of Hope and Grace and had wished that the author had taken a different angle to the story. Though this book premise and cover seems juvenile, it was aimed at the older audience from 16+.
August 30, 2016
Do not read the description in Goodreads. It manages to give away at least 50 percent of the novel. That is it, back away, slowly, nothing to see there.
So, for those of you not spoiled by the Goodreads giveaway, here is the premise of the book. Hope has no friends, except her books, and the imaginary friend that she made up when she was little. So, when she is feeling depressed about her life, she writes to her, Grace. She saves all the letter, because of course, there is no address to send letters to an imaginary friend.
Interesting, the way the novel ended up going. Very plausible, for the most part. Set in the 1950s, Hope's a single child to a single mother. We don't get inside the mother's head, until later, when she tells a little of what is going on. The rest, Hope has to guess at.
The publisher called this book, and others in the series the Gutsy Girl series. But it isn't so much gutsy girl, but girl who has to over come obstacles to get where she wants to be in life. That doesn't take guts, but determination, but perhaps that is what they mean.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
So, for those of you not spoiled by the Goodreads giveaway, here is the premise of the book. Hope has no friends, except her books, and the imaginary friend that she made up when she was little. So, when she is feeling depressed about her life, she writes to her, Grace. She saves all the letter, because of course, there is no address to send letters to an imaginary friend.
Interesting, the way the novel ended up going. Very plausible, for the most part. Set in the 1950s, Hope's a single child to a single mother. We don't get inside the mother's head, until later, when she tells a little of what is going on. The rest, Hope has to guess at.
The publisher called this book, and others in the series the Gutsy Girl series. But it isn't so much gutsy girl, but girl who has to over come obstacles to get where she wants to be in life. That doesn't take guts, but determination, but perhaps that is what they mean.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 16, 2015
10 year old Hope King has been writing letters to Grace since as long as she could write. These notes to her imaginary friend are her only comfort since her mother, Flora suffers from depression and anxiety. Middle graders will enjoy the courageous and independent-minded Hope who thrives against a backdrop of calamities. Although historical, the 1950's era drifts in gently in the expressions and cost of a popsicle. Recommended for fans of the Bobsey Twins and the classic movie The Parent Trap.
June 30, 2014
this is a story about two girls who were separated. one of the twins has been writing letters to who she thought was her imaginary friend and then finds out the truth. she finally gets to meet her and it enriches both her life and both family's lives. would definitely recommend it to others. it is a fast read because you don't really want to put it down
October 31, 2015
A great book about friendship, life as a young girl and overcoming challenges.
July 4, 2022
Loved this book couldn't stop reading.
January 23, 2016
Finding Grace was a sort of generic tale with an emotional moral at the end. It was well-executed, the characters were somewhat likable, and the plot was interesting, albeit slightly melancholy for a story aimed at the childrens/middle-grade audience.
Nevertheless, not the best middle-grade book I’ve read, but it was sufficient enough to keep me reading; thus, it was just okay for me.
___________________________________
WHAT I LIKED
+ The story concerns a ten-year-old girl named Hope who finds solace and comfort in writing daily journal entries to her “imaginary friend” Grace. Similarly, we also see the way Hope interacts with the world about her and how she responds to the consistent haste in her household. This is mainly what appealed to me as it conjured questions that a reader could face in everyday life and simply mirrored a lot of the things we sometimes encounter (or have encountered as children).
+ Finding Grace was partly a coming-of-age story with plenty of devices within the plot to make the reader imagine a tale of larger depths. There were poignant moments, realistic and common themes readers may have experienced themselves, and explores the challenges of being a minority in society.
+ The plot twist (if I could call it that) was predictable, but ultimately clever because in view of the stark and bleak overtones, an ending like the one in this story was the most logical solution and it made the overall storyline well worth the read. There’s a lot more to this story, but I would have to get into spoilers to delve more into the plot’s development and to be honest, I don’t care much about this book to do so.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
- I sensed a toxic relationship between Hope and her mother, Flora ― there was a lot of blaming and sadness to the relationship ― I’ll even go out on a whim here and say that Hope took on an instrumental and emotional parentified role here. It was heartrending having to see Hope take on a lot of physical responsibilities and suppress her needs in order to relieve her mother’s chronic anxiety and depressive mood swings. Granted, Flora had legitimate reasons to live under such a hopeless vice but at the same time, it was extremely vexing to see her lose complete interest in life altogether. It made me question her love for Hope, her maternal bond, and her outlandish rationale to say the least.
- Hope comes off as a relatively strong protagonist. There were plenty of age-related problems she faced (i.e. bullying, loss of a loved one, intense familial revelations, etc.) that contributed to the growth and resolve of her character arc. However, the process was filled with an insane amount of extreme emotions. So much so, I often found myself wondering about the intended audience.
AFTERTHOUGHTS:
I don’t mind literary work that centers around realistic themes set in our modern-day; however, I don’t particularly enjoy or prefer the ones that circle around child negligence and parental ignorance. These types of books tend to grate on my nerves and leave me restless. Needless to say, I was reminded why I shun realistic fiction like the plague!
Alas, Finding Grace was truly a gusty story (as the lovely book cover implies), however, once you begin to peel back the story’s layers, you’ll uncover a bleak and dreary tale that values drama over characterization and for obvious reasons (my chronic allergic reaction to realistic fiction) this book was simply not for me.
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February 4, 2021
Right off the bat I'm going to let you know that I love everything Becky Citra writes. She is a former school teacher who has her finger on the pulse of what students in elementary school like to read. Her series, Jeremy and the Enchanted Theatre is perfect for youngsters, (especially boys) who are just stepping up to reading chapter books. After the Fire and Never to be Told are two of my readers favorite Canadian titles. I may be biased, but I don't think so, and neither do the members of our book club who speak in awe of Finding Grace.
Beware, this review contains spoilers.
Finding Grace is set in the 1950's. It's the story of Hope, an eleven year old girl who writes letters to an imaginary friend named Grace. Flora, her depressed mother, is unable to hold down a job so they have to move in with Hope's grandmother. There is no father in the picture. When Hope's grandmother dies they are nearly destitute.
A number of things happen to change their circumstances. They find a life insurance policy Grandmother left for them. A photograph of a girl named Grace arrives in the mail. Then they find a collection of photographs of her, one for every year of her life. It turns out that Grace is the name of Hope's twin sister. When they were two, Grace contracted polio and was hospitalized in an iron lung. Because she needed more care than Flora was capable of giving her, Grace was given up for adoption to a nurse at the hospital. This is what has led to Flora's ongoing depression.
Hope realizes that her mother needs to find out what happened to Grace. So the two of them set off to Harrison Hot Springs where the photograph originated, in hope of finding her. While everything doesn't end the way you might expect it to, it is a very satisfying read.
What I loved about this book:
Becky Citra has captured the essence of a small tourist town in her rendering of Harrison Hot Springs. These are people who care about each other and are willing to help out when needed.
You can't help but come to care for these characters. They are rich, multidimensional and loaded with surprises. I loved Flora's transformation when they were in Harrison Hot Springs. I loved how Hope struggled with the ethical dilemma of lying.
While this is set in the 1950's, aside from Grace's bout with polio, the historical references are understated, but still there.
This book is set in Vancouver, BC, and the outlying areas; in our neighborhood more or less. These geographical markers, help us make connections to ourselves and at the same time, help us come to an understanding of who we are as a people.
I can't wait to read what Becky Citra has next up her sleeve.
Beware, this review contains spoilers.
Finding Grace is set in the 1950's. It's the story of Hope, an eleven year old girl who writes letters to an imaginary friend named Grace. Flora, her depressed mother, is unable to hold down a job so they have to move in with Hope's grandmother. There is no father in the picture. When Hope's grandmother dies they are nearly destitute.
A number of things happen to change their circumstances. They find a life insurance policy Grandmother left for them. A photograph of a girl named Grace arrives in the mail. Then they find a collection of photographs of her, one for every year of her life. It turns out that Grace is the name of Hope's twin sister. When they were two, Grace contracted polio and was hospitalized in an iron lung. Because she needed more care than Flora was capable of giving her, Grace was given up for adoption to a nurse at the hospital. This is what has led to Flora's ongoing depression.
Hope realizes that her mother needs to find out what happened to Grace. So the two of them set off to Harrison Hot Springs where the photograph originated, in hope of finding her. While everything doesn't end the way you might expect it to, it is a very satisfying read.
What I loved about this book:
Becky Citra has captured the essence of a small tourist town in her rendering of Harrison Hot Springs. These are people who care about each other and are willing to help out when needed.
You can't help but come to care for these characters. They are rich, multidimensional and loaded with surprises. I loved Flora's transformation when they were in Harrison Hot Springs. I loved how Hope struggled with the ethical dilemma of lying.
While this is set in the 1950's, aside from Grace's bout with polio, the historical references are understated, but still there.
This book is set in Vancouver, BC, and the outlying areas; in our neighborhood more or less. These geographical markers, help us make connections to ourselves and at the same time, help us come to an understanding of who we are as a people.
I can't wait to read what Becky Citra has next up her sleeve.
December 20, 2015
Finding Grace
by Becky Citra
Second Story Press
Middle Grade, Children's Fiction
Pub Date Mar 1, 2014
I was given a copy of Finding Grace by the publisher in exchange for my honest review so here it goes.
This book takes you to 1954 Vancouver Hope Rose King has been accused of stealing a crime stealing her classmates glow in the dark yo-yo. She also faces a class assignment about her family history but knows very little about her family history.
Her Mother just lost her job and they are forced to move once again this time to her Grandmothers crowded apartment. When her Grandmother has a stroke and dies shortly after they move in Hope cannot help but feel as if it is somehow there fault. Hope writes letters to what she believes is her imaginary friend only to find out later she is so much more than that?
Discovering who Grace is will turn into a life changing trip for eleven year old Hope and her Mother.
I give this book five out of five stars
Happy Reading...
by Becky Citra
Second Story Press
Middle Grade, Children's Fiction
Pub Date Mar 1, 2014
I was given a copy of Finding Grace by the publisher in exchange for my honest review so here it goes.
This book takes you to 1954 Vancouver Hope Rose King has been accused of stealing a crime stealing her classmates glow in the dark yo-yo. She also faces a class assignment about her family history but knows very little about her family history.
Her Mother just lost her job and they are forced to move once again this time to her Grandmothers crowded apartment. When her Grandmother has a stroke and dies shortly after they move in Hope cannot help but feel as if it is somehow there fault. Hope writes letters to what she believes is her imaginary friend only to find out later she is so much more than that?
Discovering who Grace is will turn into a life changing trip for eleven year old Hope and her Mother.
I give this book five out of five stars
Happy Reading...
August 12, 2016
This is the third book in Second Story Press's Gutsy Girl series - a series about smart, brave and funny girls. All the books are standalone novels.
I have to admit that this one had my stomach in knots wondering what was going to happen and what Hope's Mom's big secret was. I felt really bad for Hope and her Mom throughout most of the book because life seemed so hard for them but Hope faced things head on for the most part. Hope copes with her mother's craziness, and her own inability to make friends, by writing letters to her imaginary friend. I won't give the ending away but it is definitely something that is going to have my 8-year old tied up in knots if my own anxious stomach was any indication. I have a feeling my older daughters will really like this one and I like that it deals with mature issues in a way that middle grade children can understand.
I have to admit that this one had my stomach in knots wondering what was going to happen and what Hope's Mom's big secret was. I felt really bad for Hope and her Mom throughout most of the book because life seemed so hard for them but Hope faced things head on for the most part. Hope copes with her mother's craziness, and her own inability to make friends, by writing letters to her imaginary friend. I won't give the ending away but it is definitely something that is going to have my 8-year old tied up in knots if my own anxious stomach was any indication. I have a feeling my older daughters will really like this one and I like that it deals with mature issues in a way that middle grade children can understand.
October 27, 2014
Ten-year-old Hope has always had an imaginary friend named Grace to whom she writes letters. Her mother struggles with bouts of depression that make it hard for her to hold down a job, and both of them rely heavily on Grace's grandmother for support. But after her grandmother's death, Hope learns the truth about her imaginary friend, and she and her mother set out to find her once again. Readers will be surprised at what happens next since sometimes happy endings come in different forms. After all, one person's happily ever after may spell heartbreak for another one.
July 9, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I'm not sure what age group this is for I'm thinking late elementary/jr high age. Anyways this was an interesting little story about Hope who writes to her imaginary friend Grace because she has no friends. Then she finds out Grace is a actually her twin sister her mom gave up for adoption because she had polio and knew she couldn't take care of her and thinks that maybe she's always remembered her. This was a cute and easy read. I really enjoyed it.
July 8, 2016
I thought this was a smashingly good book. It literally raced. I wanted to read long into the night , it was so good. But what impressed me most about the story is the research that went on. Everything down to the copper piano at Harrison Hot Springs. Ms. citra's books are always grand!
August 25, 2016
This book is about two girls that got separated when they where born. One was given in adoption because she was born with an illness. Her mother loved her but she said it was to difficult for her to take care of her.
August 25, 2016
This book is about two girls that they didn't new that they were twins. After they saw a picture and they told each other that they had the same grandma one of the girls was giving to another person because she had medical issues and her mother didn't want her with her.
August 29, 2018
This book really gives you the vibe that your actually the character Hope. Moreover, there also is a great plot twist at the end that I love. The story is about a girl named Hope. She’s been writing letters to her imaginary friend Grace for her whole life until she realizes that her mother and grandma had been hiding a huge secret in the family. This secret changed everything she’d ever known about Grace and herself. *** spoiler alert!!! She accidentally bumped into a girl on a street that looks exactly like her and sounds exactly like her. She thought it was just coincidence. Later did she know they were actually twins and all her life she’d been writing to her far apart twin sister. Who had to be put in an adoption center due to financial problems her mother and grandma had.
September 30, 2019
Hope, now in grade five, has always had an imaginary friend named Grace. Her mother has tried to stop Hope from believing in this friend and, as Grace grows older, gradually the idea fades to the background. Hope's mother Flora is depressed and spends days on end in bed, or in the house in her nightgown. Luckily for Grace, her grandmother lives in the apartment downstairs, so Grace can spend time in a stable place. When Flora loses her job, she and Grace move in with her grandmother. Hope opens an envelope that contains a photo of a girl her age. Hope asks her mother about it, and they embark on a trip to Harrison Hot Springs to search out the truth and confront some painful memories. The plot had potential but seemed very over-simplified. Some anachronisms in language and details interrupted the flow of the narrative. Young people may not notice any of the factors I criticized and thoroughly enjoy the story.
October 6, 2022
this was my comfort book
i had good crys and laughs reading this.
this was my first chapter book i finished.
i was just a kid when i first read this and now im in high school reading it again.
i had good crys and laughs reading this.
this was my first chapter book i finished.
i was just a kid when i first read this and now im in high school reading it again.
September 22, 2023
The book was tad too short for my liking but I absolutely enjoyed reading it. Loved seeing the point of view from Hope.
Read
March 9, 2017Hope feels like no one understands her except for her grandmother and her "imaginary" friend Grace.
Her mother likes being locked up in her room until one day when a the family goes through a tough time with her grandmother dying, hope finding out she has a dad but sadly died in the war and now finding out after all these years the secret of who Grace really is, so her and her mom go on a adventure in a small town trying to find Grace. The whole book was sad, funny, happy, and nerv-racking it's a book recommend for teen girls and it is by far the best book I have ever read in my life and i know other people will love it too.(hopefully)
Her mother likes being locked up in her room until one day when a the family goes through a tough time with her grandmother dying, hope finding out she has a dad but sadly died in the war and now finding out after all these years the secret of who Grace really is, so her and her mom go on a adventure in a small town trying to find Grace. The whole book was sad, funny, happy, and nerv-racking it's a book recommend for teen girls and it is by far the best book I have ever read in my life and i know other people will love it too.(hopefully)
December 22, 2019
This is the first book that made me feel interested....I couldn’t put this book down it is so good. I remember this boy in my class that was reading this book during DEAR (drop everything and read) time and you could see the tears rolling down his face! Lol
September 19, 2017
This book was great.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews