Book Review of Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway
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The Children’s Book Review
Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway
Written by Ashley Hards
Ages 9-12 | 268 Pages
Publisher: Fabled Films Press | ISBN-13: 9791944020910
What to Expect: Neurodiversity, loss of a parent, and mystery.
In this fantastic mystery adventure, Hannah, a girl with ADHD, investigates her father’s disappearance while navigating school challenges, uncovering secrets, and learning about friendship and determination.
Something is rotten in the city of Riverway! Hannah Edwards is an 11-year-old girl with a lot on her mind. Her father is missing, her mother is busy taking care of the family farm, her loathsome Uncle Fergus is acting more suspicious than usual, and her obnoxious guidance counselor won’t leave her alone. Fortunately, she has her best friend and her secret journal to assist her in the investigation of the disappearance of her father. Readers will readily follow Hannah as she discovers the truth behind what is happening in Riverway.
Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway is a well-written and relatable story that spans across age groups, captivating readers from elementary through middle school. Author Ashley Hards does a remarkable job of addressing how ADHD presents in girls and the coping mechanisms they use to mask the symptoms. Hannah Edwards is a likable character who will be easy for readers to relate to, especially readers who are neurodiverse themselves.
Hards covers the topic of parental death with a soft touch by using Hannah’s grief as a pivotal plot point. Through journaling and friendship, Hannah and the ghost of her father work to solve the mystery of his death. If the plot sounds slightly familiar, that is because Hards has crafted an excellent modern reinterpretation of the classic tale Hamlet that is well suited to a younger audience, ensuring an engaging and entertaining read.
Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway is more than a great tween mystery; it is a powerful narrative that illustrates how neurodiverse individuals navigate the challenges of everyday life. Children with ADHD will find solace in Hannah’s struggles and admire her coping mechanisms. At the same time, neurotypical readers will gain a deeper understanding of their neurodiverse peers while thoroughly enjoying the plot as it unravels. Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the cognitive processes of ADHD.
Buy the Book
Be sure to check out the FREE Neurodiversity Guide on the Hannah Edwards website, which teachers and librarians can use for book clubs or classroom discussions.
About the Author
Ashley Hards was declared “gifted” at age eight and diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she found books and writing to be the most engaging subjects, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University, where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual.
Always the adrenaline lover, Ashley enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera. (Hey, it’s exciting.) She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek, and the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her debut.
Read our exclusive interview: Ashley Hards Discusses ADHD, Shakespeare, and Her Debut Novel ‘Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway’
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway. Learn more about getting a book review …
