Hope and Other Punchlines

Almost every patriotic American has seen Baby Hope, Abbi’s alter ego. As the South Tower of the World Trade Center falls on 9/11, Baby Hope celebrates her first birthday with a crown and a balloon. For the rest of the country, Abbi’s picture brings them together, but for Abbi it gives unwanted attention. This summer, as Abbi continues her search for anonymity, she signs up as a camp counselor in another town. Unfortunately, she encounters Noah Stern, who ropes her into a search behind the Baby Hope photo. As Abbi’s perfect summer takes a tumultuous turn, she must face her past and discovers that there is more to the photo than anyone expected.

Hope and Other Punchlines explores the aftermath of a tragic incident in American history, helping young readers to understand the magnitude of the attacks.

Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum
Grades: 7th, 8th
Tags: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Reviewed by: Dylan D.

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