Hannah (Daughters of the Sea #1) (1) - Softcover

Kathryn Lasky is the Newbery Honor-winning author of over one hundred books for children and young adults. Her beloved Guardians of Ga’Hoole fantasy series has sold more than 4 million copies, and she is the author of the Daughters of the Sea series, the Wolves of the Beyond series, as well as A TIME FOR COURAGE and other Dear America titles. Kathryn has also written a number of critically acclaimed nonfiction titles, such as BEYOND THE BURNING TIME and TRUE NORTH. She lives with her husband in Cambridge, MA.

Grade 4–6—In this first book in a projected series, orphan Hannah, 15, tries to find success as a scullery maid in an upscale Boston household at the end of the 19th century. In addition to having to learn new rules and skills, she must contend with the family's three daughters, including demanding Lila and her sinister cat. Hannah knows that she is different—she leaves salt in the bathtub, becomes physically ill when away from the sea, and seems to be shedding odd crystals. When a famous painter arrives to do a portrait of the three sisters, he immediately senses Hannah's secrets but will not give her answers. Because Lasky stretches the mystery of Hannah's nature throughout the book, her decision regarding where she belongs becomes rushed and anticlimactic. The heart of the story lies in the day-to-day activities of the Hawley household, especially the lengths the family and staff go to to appease Lila, and the destruction she causes whenever she does not get her way. The resolution of this story will appear weak to some readers, but many will identify with independent and winsome Hannah as she tries to find her place in the world.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD END