Hannah

by Gloria Whelan

Nine-year-old Hannah would do almost anything to go to school with all the other children in town. But Hannah is blind and her parents keep her at home where she is "safe." Then Lydia Robbin comes to town. She's a strong-willed teacher who accomplishes a small she convinces Hannah's parents to send her to school. At first Hannah is overjoyed. But she soon learns that there are many obstacles--and people-- that stand in the way of her education. Hannah will need tremendous courage to prove to her classmates, her parents and herself that Miss Robbin was right to believe in her.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Historical, Chapter Books

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Jessica Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super short and sweet story about a blind girl named Hannah and a teacher who believed in her 🧡 It just shows how what other people say about us truly affect us, and that a nudge from the right person will send our life down a completely different path.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little story about Hannah, who is a 9-year-old blind child. She gets the opportunity to go to school because of the new teacher, Miss Robbins. This easy chapter book helps children learn about children with disabilities (like blindness) and helps them understand their perspectives and special viewpoint. It shows a very positive approach of some children to helping a young blind girl. I'm going to recommend this book to my granddaughter.

[Kailyn | Wonder. Wander. Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great historical fiction from the POV of a blind girl. The new teacher is boarding with her family and convinces her parents to let Hannah attend school. After a rocky start, Hannah is brave enough to try again and discovers that she is able to learn as a blind person. Would be a great independent read for 2nd or 3rd grade.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl who is blind and her progress to becoming a bit more self-sufficient.



It ends with her class-mates helping her win a contest so that she could buy a Braille writing instrument.

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Hannah’s family didn’t believe she was capable of much. Thank goodness Miss Robbin was there to show her she can do so many things!

[Katie Stratton · Rating 3 out of 5]

RA with E

[Eleanor]

RA

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning, it was a little too descriptive, if you know what I mean. It got better, though.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story about a blind girl in 1887 and the power of a loving teacher!!

[Lahars_little_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how the author used descriptive language to draw attention to Hannah's unique perspective. The characters were all well developed and complex for such a sort book!

[Lynnea (Juv) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's chapter book about allowoing a little girl with a disability (she is blind) to still be able to learn and not doubting her abilities.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ages: 6+
Content considerations: none

Even knowing this book is intended for beginning readers, it seems to have a very abrupt ending.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, easy read❤

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to Judy for her read aloud this. This is an excellent short chapter book filled with similes as the main character, who is blind, tries to tell what she hears, smells, and touches. I love Gloria Whelan's storytelling as she includes bits of Michigan farming lore and believable characters.

[Viola Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was so sweet and I really enjoyed it! My 8-year-old picked this for me because it is one of her favorites.

Full Review on Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/12...

[Mellanie C]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13104040

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful children’s story about a blind girl Hannah, who through the encouragement of a teacher, discovers her capabilities.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good small chapter book giving the reader an insight to people with disabilities. The little girl in the story is Hannah and she's blind. Her parents don't allow her to go to school or even have never taken her around her farm. Until the teacher comes and stays with them and opens Hannah's world for her. Teaching her that she can be like the other children and in the end the community comes together for her. A pioneering story.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. This was a lovely historical fiction about a rural blind girl whose education has been ignored until a new teacher comes to town. I loved that the kids in her community came together to raise money for a Braille writing machine for her. My only complaint was that I wanted more. The ending felt very incomplete, but I guess that’s what you get with an easier to read chapter book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how this book ended up on my class library shelf but there it is. At first I thought I'd turn it in to a used book store and get something more mature. However, I am now teaching remedial and struggling readers. Maybe one of those students will appreciate a sweet story like this one.

[Tali Balas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Well written, descriptive language takes the reader back to the 1880's in rural Michigan. Hannah is a nine year old blind girl whose family loves her but doesn't think she is capable of many things because of her disability. When the new school teacher

[Lori Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 1st Grade daughter's book report book.

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's chapter book about allowing a little girl with a disability (she is blind) to still be able to learn and not doubting her abilities!

[Ms. Campbell]

This books shows how one person can change your life forever, and make you believe in yourself.

[Sharla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for Heartland School.