First published 2000
Hannah Shinn lives within the strict boundaries of her Quaker community in colonial Philadelphia. The nine-year-old girl struggles with the plain dress, simple speech, and rigid rules that govern every aspect of her daily life. Hannah yearns for the colorful ribbons and fancy clothes she sees other children wear, but her faith demands simplicity in all things. When she faces the choice between conforming to her community's expectations and expressing her individual desires, Hannah must decide what truly matters to her. The girl discovers that belonging means more than following rules, and that her Quaker heritage offers deeper rewards than she initially understood. Through small acts of rebellion and moments of genuine connection with her family and neighbors, Hannah learns to find beauty and meaning within her traditional way of life.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Colonial Philadelphia
Period: Colonial Era
98 pages · Hardcover · Doubleday Books for Young Readers