• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 6
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Growing up in the ‘50s with a single mother and no father, Hope is a loner with a wonderful imagination. The letters she writes to her imaginary friend, Grace, help her cope with the difficult times in her life - her mother's sad days, their money worries, the pressures of not fitting in. On her eleventh birthday, Hope is shocked to learn that Grace is real. Hope decides that by finding Grace, their family will be healed. But, like most adventures, things do not go exactly as she hopes.

Becky Citra is the author of over twenty books for children, ranging from early chapter books to novels for young adults. She was an elementary schoolteacher for over twenty-five years and began writing for children in 1995. Becky’s books have been shortlisted for and won many awards, including the Red Cedar Award, the Diamond Willow, the Silver Birch and the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize. She lives in Bridge Lake, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.beckycitra.com.

Becky Citra's profile page

• Short-listed, Diamond Willow Award
• Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Award
• Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award
• Winner, Red Cedar Book Award
• Short-listed, Shiela A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize

"Citra successfully tells a very focused, plot-driven story... Middle-grade readers will find Hope's letters and era-appropriate expressions quite endearing."

Quill & Quire

"Becky Citra has written a thoroughly enjoyable first entry to the 'Gutsy Girl' series. Hope is a plucky, clever, protagonist that young girls will find inspiring."

CM Magazine

"Finding Grace is an enjoyable and positive read for middle grade girls."

Readerly

"Finding Grace is a quick and engaging read that draws the reader in with its authentic voice of a ten-year-old girl.... A great summertime read that deals with serious life issues in a refreshing manner."

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