Praise for Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway
A 2024 Children’s Institute Pick for Building Diverse Children’s Sections – Neurodiversity from the American Bookseller Association
A 2024 Best Books for Young Readers Catalog Pick by the American Bookseller Association
“Filled with twists and humor, this fresh take on a small-town mystery is perfect for readers who love clever heroines and paranormal intrigue.”
—School Library Journal
“A strong retelling that … captures the middle-grade spirit, this debut novel is perfect for fans of mysteries, ghost stories that feel rooted in the real world, and strong characters who make internal revelations as well as strides in their worlds.”
—Booklist
“Original and fun from start to finish ... especially and unreservedly recommended.”
—Midwest Book Review
“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.”
– The Children's Book Review
“Speculative small-town caper ... Through depictions of Hannah’s skepticism and can-do attitude, debut author Hards introduces a heroine who handily propels this familiar yet exciting supernatural mystery.”
– Publishers Weekly
“A delightful middle grade novel whose ghost story pairs with a refreshing window into the lives of the neurodiverse.”
– Foreword Reviews
“Hannah’s voice speaks directly to readers which helps to draw them into the book... The plot addresses the grief of suddenly losing a loved one in the form of a ghostly mystery. Sam loyally stands by Hannah even when she holds out hope for her father despite increasing evidence that he’s gone. This book should appeal to lovers of ghosts and small-town mysteries and I recommend you give it a shot.”
– Mark Buxton for YA Book Central
“The strength of the story is the mystery and what occurs in the classroom as Hannah struggles with her neurodiversity. Kids will often hide what they consider the bad stuff in the way they process so that they will appear “normal.” Reading about Hannah will change their perception in a good way about being perfect. It would be nice to see the endearing Hannah in a sequel.”
– Greg Pattridge, Educator and Blogger, Always in the Middle Blog
“Hannah is no ordinary sleuth and this mystery has so many layers to it. Her neurodivergent world touched me deeply and I would love to read another riveting detective story about this fantastic girl.”
—Therese Stanford, Bookseller, Oblong Books, Millerton, NY
“Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway is the best book I’ve seen that authentically and comprehensively illustrates the experience of ADHD in girls, which presents itself differently from boys, and often goes undiagnosed. Hannah’s desperate need to be a “GOOD KID” is endearing. I loved how the story organically shows ADHD traits and coping skills as Hannah confides how she protects her secret… Hannah Edwards has the potential to open life-changing discussions to identify and correct common ADHD misunderstandings and its subsequent mismanagement.”
—Tori Kelley, Ph.D., President and Founder of Central Florida Mental Health
“A moving story about self-discovery, Hannah brings us on her grief journey while discovering that she is neurodivergent. Hards gives Hannah a strong, upbeat voice that refuses to give up or give in. A smart reimagining of Hamlet - with a much lower body count - this is a great mystery for middle graders and middle schoolers.”
— Rosemary Kiladitis, School Library Journal Contributor & Community Library Manager, Queens Public Library, NY
“The ongoing problem that Hannah struggles with is ADHD. She has never been diagnosed because she has never talked to anyone about the things in class that seem more difficult to her than they do for her peers. More than anything else, Hannah does not want to be labeled a bad kid… I have seen many kids struggle in class as Hannah does in this story. And many of them do try to hide what is going on… Put this in the hands of students who may need to see someone who is dealing with similar issues in class and realize that they are not alone.”
— Suzanne Costner, School Library Journal Contributor, & Library Media Specialist, Fairview Elementary School, Fairview TN
“Younger readers will like the variety of formats, which include transcripts of conversations as well as journal entries. I liked the environmental tie in with the dropping water levels in the lake and the need to irrigate crops. There are some descriptions of how Hannah's ADHD affects her school performance, and since there are so many students who have some level of this disorder, it's good to see that representation in literature. This is a good choice for readers who like a gentle mystery with some clues and supernatural elements.”
— Karen Yingling, Ms Yingling Reads Blog & Middle School Librarian, Blendon Middle School, Westerville, OH
“A phenomenal read that many young readers will be able to identify with. The story is very intriguing and the personal issues that Hannah goes through in the book are very relatable, even to those that do not have a clinical diagnosis. I have many young readers at my library that will absolutely love this book.”
— Gabriel Gresham, Program Specialist, St. Lucie County Public Library, Fort Pierce, FL
“What a creative way to combine Shakespeare, Nancy Drew, and neurodiversity all in the same book! I LOVED it and can't wait to see what Hannah Edwards does next! I appreciate great quality children's literature and that is what Fabled Films Press does.”
— Jill Kusel, Teacher, Christ Lutheran School, La Mesa, CA
“The book pulls you right in... I enjoyed reading the conversations between Hannah and her dad's ghost, and hearing the perspective of the victim in a way that you do not often see in mysteries. “
— Jen Einoris, Youth Librarian Associate, McHenry Public Library, McHenry, IL ."