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bickie's review against another edition
3.0
Set in 1934, HANNAH, DIVIDED follows the changes Hannah experiences when she decides to go against her family's wishes and leave the dairy farm to pursue advanced math education in Philadelphia. Hannah is gifted with numbers, patterns, and math in general; however, she is less skilled at reading because she gets distracted by the beautiful shapes of the letters and ends up counting, for example, how many a's are on the page/in a chapter/in a book. Hannah is constantly counting and manipulating numbers; she is also often tapping sequences and rhythms to calm herself when agitated.
Hannah's grandfather is the only family member who encourages her to consider a life outside of Chadds Ford and the family dairy farm. Even her friends are focused on becoming "June brides" and living in white houses on the same street - each has chosen her favorite shade of shutters. Hannah has conflicting feelings about the comfort and safety of home and the lure of higher learning. The ending is somewhat unsatisfying; the reader is left with many questions about what happens to Hannah next, though she seems to become more philosophical about her lot in life. There is even an abrupt turn-around in a fellow schoolmate who suddenly thinks Hannah is worth including in a party.
I liked the gentle treatment of Hannah's differences (OCD? Asperger's? Dyslexia?) and her authentic-sounding determination. The book does not cudgel the reader with lessons or labels. However, I did not like the ending or the complete lack of ambition of the family for Hannah; they seemed to view her as a needed farmhand/dairy maid and didn't see why girls needed to read or cipher.
Best for ages 9-11.
Hannah's grandfather is the only family member who encourages her to consider a life outside of Chadds Ford and the family dairy farm. Even her friends are focused on becoming "June brides" and living in white houses on the same street - each has chosen her favorite shade of shutters. Hannah has conflicting feelings about the comfort and safety of home and the lure of higher learning. The ending is somewhat unsatisfying; the reader is left with many questions about what happens to Hannah next, though she seems to become more philosophical about her lot in life. There is even an abrupt turn-around in a fellow schoolmate who suddenly thinks Hannah is worth including in a party.
I liked the gentle treatment of Hannah's differences (OCD? Asperger's? Dyslexia?) and her authentic-sounding determination. The book does not cudgel the reader with lessons or labels. However, I did not like the ending or the complete lack of ambition of the family for Hannah; they seemed to view her as a needed farmhand/dairy maid and didn't see why girls needed to read or cipher.
Best for ages 9-11.
samanthas_bookshelf's review
4.0
Hannah Bennett is a 13 year old math prodigy with the chance to leave her family's dairy farm and go to Philadelphia to study for a scholarship exam. In 1934, this is a huge deal for a girl, and it won't be easy. Between snobby girls and a boy who is unpredictable, Hannah must decide what she values most.
This book was sweet, with just enough "small town girl goes on an adventure" paired with determining what matters most. However, the ending felt very incomplete, and with no sequel to wrap up the cliffhanger, it loses a star.
This book was sweet, with just enough "small town girl goes on an adventure" paired with determining what matters most. However, the ending felt very incomplete, and with no sequel to wrap up the cliffhanger, it loses a star.
christinap's review
5.0
Great book about having to make important life decisions, especially as a teenager. Hannah has to dedide whether to go to a private school, or help her family on the farm..What will she decide to do?
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