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Hannah's Winter (by Kierin Meehan)

common sense media says

Moody, complex Japanese fantasy blends reality and mystery.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a gentle fantasy with no edgy influences. There's a lot of descriptive language and Japanese history embedded in the story, which may be new for many readers. The riddle and clues are not easily discernable, and at times readers may have to flip pages back and forth to make sure they understand the plot.

Educational value: The characters go between living their daily lives in modern Japan and uncovering riddles and meeting people from old Japan. The reader learns much about Japanese climate, traditions, history, and lore.  Furthermore, there's an afterword in which the author provides more detail about many features presented in the story, including places, historical figures, paper art, festivals, and language.
Positive messages: Hannah is courageous when she accompanies her mother to Japan despite not wanting to go. Once there, she readily makes a friend in Miki, and is respectful of the family and culture.  Throughout the story, Hannah, Miki, and Hiro work together to solve riddles and use teamwork to overcome mysteries and dangers. 
Positive role models: Hannah, Miki, and Hiro are all positive role models.  They care about each other, they work together to solve dilemmas and uncover mysteries, they respect their families, and they are engaged in intriguing pursuits.  The adult characters are all supportive of the kids; they offer wisdom and companionship, and while Hanna's parents are not involved in the story much, Miki's parents, grandmother, and aunt are all likable and important in the story.
Violence: There's no real violence in this story, but old stories are told in which a girl child was kept as a prisoner and an ancient female nanny kept a boy child for herself. Ghosts are mentioned.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: There's no crass or bad language in this story. There are many Japanese words and terms used throughout the story.
Consumerism: Brad Pitt and 7-11 are mentioned once.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Hannah's Winter

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about living in another country. What country would you want to live in and why? How might it be different than your own country?  How might it be similar?  Did this story inspire you to learn more about Japan?
  • Talk about the mystery. Were you able to understand the clues? Could you predict how some of the action would resolve? Did it end in a satisfying way for you?
  • Discuss the role of Hannah's mother. What did you think of her? Was she funny, irritating, adventuresome? What did you think when she arrived in town with someone special to Hiro? Was it believable? 

What's the story?

What's the story?
12 year-old Hannah gets dragged to Japan by her boisterous mom, who is studying Japanese gardens. While her mother travels the country, Hannah stays with Japanese friends, the Maekawa family and their daughter, Miki. Hannah and Miki become best friends, and one day, while opening an old box of papers, they find a riddle that appears to be an appeal for help from the "Ocean Boy." Is this "Ocean Boy" the spirit that has been throwing donuts at Hannah and writing with sunscreen on her mirror? The girls and their friend Hiro set out to solve the riddle, traveling to markets, temples, shrines, ancient castles, and meeting people from the present and past. Can the three kids follow the ancient clues to help the Ocean Boy find his peace?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This story is steeped in Japanese history, culture, climate, people, and language, and the author has a clear appreciation for the quiet beauty of that country. The story is a gentle fantasy that has its main characters going between their real lives in modern Japan to a mystical realm in which they try to help a ghost boy reunite with his family. The combination of fact and fantasy will work for some readers, yet others may find it too grounded to allow real imagination to pervade. The mood is quiet like snow and sweet as innocent friendship, yet the plot is also slightly confusing. The clues are cryptic and often uncovered by luck rather than skill. The drama of talking dragons, scary ghosts, and missing parents is somehow lost, and the emotional impact of the adventures is rather matter-of-fact. Readers with an interest in Japan and a taste for intricately woven tales will enjoy this story, but readers requiring more action and emotional involvement may want to look elsewhere.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Kierin Meehan
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers
Publication date: March 1, 2009
Number of pages: 288
Hardcover price: $15.95
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 10
This review was written by Kristen Breck
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Julie loves to ...
parent of and 5 , 5 , 7 , 9 year old
11
 
Great Book!
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
philmelachelle
adult
10
 
This book was a great read because the characters were fleshed out, the story was unique, and there were a lot of details that made Japanese history and social customs come alive for the reader. This is one of the most interesting books for older elementray/middle school kids that I've read lately.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
dragonsrule
kid, 12 years old
9
 
What lies ahead for Hannah THIS winter?
I LOVED THIS STORY!!! I really enjoyed reading this as it is a cross between two of my favorite genres: fantasy and mystery. I believe this is good for kids age 9+, boys AND girls. This does have mention of ghosts and spirits, but is also very educational as it includes some Japanese history and culture.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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