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Hannah: Daughters of the Sea

(2009, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Kathryn Lasky)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Rather innocent gothic romance with a fantastic twist.

Themes in this book include:   dating/crushes, friendship, growing up

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • 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.

  • Messages:

    Themes of self-reliance, listening to your own intuition, and that working hard will get you what you want.

  • 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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 an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A reference to laudanum and an opium den.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hannah: Daughters of the Sea

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.

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Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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