Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards (on sale: September 10, 2024) [Book Spotlight & Giveaway]

Meet Hannah Edwards, determined school girl, friend, mystery solver, & who has ADHD.

About the book: This authentic neurodiverse reimagining of Hamlet is a fresh and unconventional take on a classic–that’s also a mystery! It’s Nancy Drew and Sammy Keyes mixed with Turtles All the Way Down and Honestly Elliott.

Cheer on Hannah Edwards in this relatable coming-of-age story about neurodiversity, friendship, school, and family. Great mystery for kids 9-12.

Hannah has a lot on her mind. Her father—the Canola King—is missing, and no one in her small town seems to care. With the support of her best friend Sam Castillo, and their sidekick Tim the Hall Monitor, Hannah embarks on a journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.

Along the way, she uncovers secrets that she records in her journal, confronts challenges in school due to her ADHD, talks to a ghost, and learns the true meaning of determination and friendship.

The novel’s blend of prose and inventive journal entries make it a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with heart.

~~ OF SPECIAL NOTE ~~ 

October is ADHD Awareness Month and over 9.8% of kids in the US have ADHD, with girls both under-diagnosed and under-portrayed in the media. Debut author Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22, and the world she creates in HANNAH EDWARDS is deeply rooted in her own experiences. While Hards masterfully and authentically represents ADHD (and showcases neurodiversity as a positive asset), Hannah’s ADHD is not the focus of the story, but rather another element of her characterization. Reminiscent of Henry Winkler’s Hank Zipzer series, in which Hank’s dyslexia was secondary to his school escapades, neurodiverse and neurotypical kids alike will delight in Hannah’s adventures as she investigates her father’s mysterious disappearance, and relate to her need for agency and her unstoppable drive. Secret word: adventure

Told through Hannah's secret journal, the book features a mix of listicles, transcripts of recordings, an Epic poem, and some straight narratives that will get kids excited about reading, and uses a font that increases legibility and readability for readers of all abilities. Blending mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF THE RIVERWAY is a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with plenty of heart.

HELPS: Fabled Films Press has numerous classroom resources written and developed under the supervision of educators and professionals to support the book, including a Neurodiversity Discussion Guide by Dr. Dawn Jacobs Martin, PhD; a Common Core Language Arts Guide by Pat Scales; and a print-at-home Tween Activity Kit with word games, crafts, and writing activities. All of these resources and more are available at www.Hannah-Edwards.com.

About the Author - Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she found books and writing to be the most engaging subjects, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University, where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual.

Always the adrenaline lover, Ashley enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera. (Hey, it’s exciting.) She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek, and the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her first book. Find her on Instagram @ashleyrhards.

About Fabled Films Press - Fabled Films Press creates original content for young readers and middle-grade audiences that combines strong literary properties with high-quality production values to connect books with generations of parents and their children. Each property is supported by websites, educator guides, and activities for bookstores, educators, and librarians, as well as videos and social media content. Fabled Films Press has published two critically acclaimed children’s book series: Pippa Park by Erin Yun and The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht. Find them online at fabledfilms.com, on Facebook at @Fabled.Films.Press, and on Instagram at @fabled.films.

GIVEAWAY

Signed Copy Hannah Edwards Secret of Riverway & bookmark

Begins August 17

Ends September 17 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this post. Book information provided by publicist. I have not read this book so I can not endorse all content. I encourage parents to determine for themselves if the book's content is appropriate for their child or family. That is not to say I disapprove of the book's content because I can not say either way without reading. I agreed to post information because I felt the book's contents worthy. Winner's prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by the publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.