I have long been a fan of Mary Downing Hahn's work, especially her historical fiction. However, back in sixth grade my friend Stephanie let me borrow a book she had checked out from the library (yes, I know....something I tell my kids never to do - loan a library book out to someone else while it's checked out to you!). Daphne's Book by Hahn was so fabulous I continued to think of it for some time.
Jessica is paired with Daphne, the weird girl in the class, for a writing assignment. Of course she doesn't like her partner, but does realize Daphne is talented. The two strike up a friendship, and then Jessica begins to realize what Daphne's home life is like.
My school library's copy of this one is old and nearly ruined, but I would love to read this one with my own girls. This is another example of one of those books that gave me a good idea what the difference was between an average book and an extraordinary book.
2 comments:
I loved reading DAPHNE'S BOOK! This is one of the books that the librarian at my daughter's elementary school ran to shelf and shoved into my hands. I volunteered for her each week and she suggested so many wonderful books to me. I need to reread this one. I still think that WAIT UNTIL HELEN COMES is one of the spookiest books I've ever read. Have you read it? Same author.
I'm gonna have to check this one out. I love finding older, lesser known books that are just as good.
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