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Hannah: Daughters of the Sea (by Kathryn Lasky)

common sense media says

Rather innocent gothic romance with a fantastic twist.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is no bodice ripping in this gothic fantasy. The most you'll find is an unsettling attraction two girls have for a young painter and some passionate kisses. There is also much discussion of the eldest daughter’s madness and the acknowledgement that it might impact her marriage prospects.

Educational value: Includes historical background about 19th-century social classes and a woman's place in society plus information about the status of orphans and the Orphan Train, life in a shipping town and as a household servant.
Positive messages: Themes of self-reliance, listening to your own intuition, and that working hard will get you what you want.
Positive role models: Hannah, the main character, is an ambitious, self-reliant girl who is hardworking, persevering, and observant. She is, however, not above breaking some rules.
Violence: Material goods are damaged; a cat is alleged killed; the eldest daughter speaks abusively and tauntingly. Some creepy suspense.
Sex: The eldest daughter fantasizes about a painter seeing her naked shoulders and kissing her. Some passionate kissing. Hannah swims naked in the sea and "deep feelings" stir.
Language: Mild utterances such as "cat piss," "damn," and  "hell."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A reference to laudanum and an opium den.
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More on Hannah: Daughters of the Sea

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the societal expectations for young women in the year 1900. How are they vastly different?
  • Were there positive aspects to being a maid rather than being forced into the role a rich young woman had to play?
  • How might such a “madness” be treated in today’s world?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When Hannah leaves the orphanage at the age of 15, her first placement via the Orphan Train to Kansas is a disaster. A physical deterioration strikes that necessitates her return to New England where she becomes a scullery maid. A mysterious and tantalizing portrait painter, an obsession with the sea, and a magical transformation help Hannah become her true self.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This metaphoric coming-of-age tale reels the reader in with a likeable heroine who is smart, hardworking, self-reliant, self-aware, and yet innocent and naïve. A new twist on fantasy by an adept author provides readers a great introduction to gothic romance. Is the eldest daughter of the household truly mad, or simply spoiled and manipulative? Who is the mysterious young painter who compels in Hannah forbidden desires? These mysteries and the requisite foreboding carry the reader along swimmingly.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Kathryn Lasky
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Publication date: September 1, 2009
Number of pages: 176
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 12
Read Alone: 12
This review was written by Debra Bogart
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Mysterious_bal ...
teen, 17 years old
11
 
LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!
Ok so right now this book is my favorite book and it has been for like a year. This book is great I love it ecpecially the romance bettween Hannah and Stannish it's soooo cool. I love this book and I can't wait for the 2 one. This book is educational and Hannah is a great role model. The story is great but there is some violance and the eldest daughter Lila is literly insane plus an insane cat. It's a great book any one should read it but you better be at least 11 :D
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