Hannah & the Salish Sea
on Goodreads (36)
What’s inside...
Ages 10 years & over. In the second volume of the Hannah trilogy, summer has arrived, and fourteen-year-old Hannah Anderson is excited about spending it with Max (who has been giving her stomach butterflies lately). But things are happening in Cowichan Bay that Hannah can't explain. When a mysterious accident leads her to a nest of starving eaglets, she meets Izzy Tate, a young Métis girl staying in the village for the summer. Why is Izzy so angry all the time, and is it just a coincidence that she is the spitting image of Yisella, the Cowichan girl Hannah met the summer she was twelve? Hannah has even more questions. Why is Jack, her raven friend of First Nations legend, bringing her unusual "gifts" in the middle of the night? Is it all connected to a ring of poachers who have apparently moved into the valley? The eaglets are in danger and so are the Roosevelt elk. And what's with the Orca 1, the supposedly abandoned tuna boat anchored out in the bay? After Hannah and Max make a grisly discovery in the woods, they know they must take action. When Izzy agrees to join them on a midnight kayak trip, the three discover the unspeakable poaching secret on the Orca 1, and they are soon in a fight for their lives and the lives of the endangered animals being hunted for their parts.
Why read this book
- Adventurous story fosters curiosity and environmental awareness.
- Enhances empathy through relatable, diverse characters.
- Engages young minds in problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Supports vocabulary development and comprehension skills.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Hannah to go on her adventure?
How do you think Hannah felt when she discovered the eagles and what they symbolize?
What are some ways that Hannah showed courage throughout her journey?
Why is it important to protect the environment, like Hannah and her friends are trying to do?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Hannah’s shoes and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the significance of the Salish Sea and its ecosystem, relating it to local environmental issues to make it more relatable.
Highlight moments in the story where teamwork and friendship come into play, and relate it to your child’s experiences with friends.
After reading, consider researching more about real-life efforts to protect local wildlife and discuss these with your child.
Use a globe or map to locate the Salish Sea, fostering a deeper understanding of geography and environmental interconnectedness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Hannah & the Salish Sea', Hannah's adventure around the Salish Sea encapsulates the beauty and fragility of the marine environment, urging a sense of stewardship over natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in local clean-up activities, practicing recycling, and learning more about local wildlife and ecosystems to foster a protective attitude towards nature.
Example Lesson: Courage and Persistence
Explanation: Throughout the book, Hannah faces various challenges and risks that teach her the importance of bravery and pushing through obstacles to protect what she loves.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle challenges at school and in their personal lives with determination, and not be deterred by difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: Hannah collaborates with a diverse group of friends and community members who share her environmental concerns. This underscores the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others towards a common goal, understanding that their actions are more impactful when combined with the efforts of those around them.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Hannah uses her observation and reasoning skills to solve mysteries and make informed decisions during her quests which highlight the importance of thinking critically and questioning things around her.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to observe their surroundings and analyze situations to make prudent decisions, boosting their problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Respect for Indigenous Cultures
Explanation: The book includes elements of indigenous history and culture that teach respect and appreciation for native traditions and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can show respect and curiosity towards different cultures they encounter, promoting inclusivity and understanding in diverse societal settings.