Hannah's Helping Hands (Pioneer Daughters) - Hardcover

Van Leeuwen, Jean

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803724470 ISBN 13: 9780803724471

Publisher: Dial Books, 1999

Synopsis

In 1779 in Fairfield, Connecticut, Hannah and her family try to maintain a sense of normalcy as the Revolutionary War rages around them, threatening to destroy their way of life.

About this title

About the Author

The award-winning Jean Van Leeuwen's previous works of Americana (all Dial) include the popular Going West, Across the Wide Dark Sea, and Bound for Oregon, called "deeply moving" and "fresh and heartfelt" by Publishers Weekly.

Reviews

From Van Leeuwen (Hannah of Fairfield, p. 73, etc.), a second heartwarming portrait of a colonial girl and her family struggling to meet the challenges of pioneer life during the Revolutionary War. Although Hannah misses her older brother, Ben, who is off fighting the British, there is no time to brood. First the lively ten-year-old joins in the spring-cleaning, then it's time to pluck the geese, shear the sheep, spin the wool into yarn, make dye, and finally color skein after skein until ``Hannah felt as if she were sitting in the middle of a rainbow.'' While Hannah works, she marvels at what she sees as the seat of her mother's competence, her hands. ``They were so small, yet they could do so many things. . . . They spun and wove and sewed. They scrubbed and dug in the garden. . . . Strong hands. Gentle hands. . . . Helping hands.'' In the course of this simply written but involving and evocative novel, Hannah learns that she also has helping hands, a way with animals, and a gift for healing. The story ends with a robust climax based on a true historic incidentthe razing of Fairfield, Connecticut, by British soldiers. It's a fiery, realistic finish, but it will be the day-to-day details and how-to of colonial life that will keep readers intrigued. (b&w illustrations, not seen, map) (Fiction. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Hannah Perley and her 1779 Fairfield, Connecticut, family work hard to make their farm successful, despite the war going on around them. When her oldest brother, Ben, comes home on leave from the Continental Army, he regales the family with tales of General Washington, the Tories, and military discomforts. Later, the British attack Fairfield, burning houses, businesses, and crops. The Perley home is destroyed, but the family is grateful that their barn and Papa's clock shop are spared. Van Leeuwen's strength lies in her attention to period and setting details, including spring cleaning, sheep shearing, and preparing herbal remedies. Short chapters, large type, and several drawings add to the appeal, especially for reluctant readers. For children who enjoyed Hannah of Fairfield , and a good choice for history buffs or for classes using novels to study the American War of Independence through novels. Kay Weisman

Grade 3-5-A continuation of Hannah of Fairfield (Dial, 1999). Set in Connecticut in 1779, this novel centers on the members of the Perley family, as they try to maintain a semblance of normal life as the Revolutionary War wages around them. Historical information about farming and the family's lifestyle is woven into the story, as are facts about the war. Readers learn about the fighting from Hannah's brother, who comes home for a brief rest from the front and describes his experiences. Finally, the dreaded day comes when the English attack the town, burning homes, farms, and businesses. Thanks to Hannah's perseverance and fortitude, the Perleys are able to save their barn and animals. Readers will enjoy getting to know this lively girl. In focusing on the domestic side of the war, Van Leeuwen has provided a refreshing approach to the period that is accessible to reluctant readers.
Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dial Books
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0803724470
• ISBN 13: 9780803724471
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Diamond Donna
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 96