SYNOPSIS

After her Chinese mom’s death, Hanna and her white dad leave Los Angeles to start a new life in the faraway frontier of the Dakotas.

Despite her love of school, Hanna is unwelcome in class and is resented by the town’s all-white families.

While the town waits to hear from Washington, D.C. whether Asians are allowed in school, Hanna is one of only 3 children who continue going to school.

Hanna’s dad builds a house with a store for home goods, and Hanna convinces him to include a space for seamstress work (for her).

Daughter and father have treats and a raffle for opening day, and with a friend’s help, Hanna sews a beautiful dress for the store display.

After two drunk men accuse Hanna of acting inappropriately the townspeople prepare to boycott the store.

Hanna’s friend and their teacher convince all women of Hanna’s innocence; the store opening is a huge success.

PERFECT AGE 10 – 14

We love

• A beautiful “re-imagining” of what an American classic could sound like if different (i.e., non-white) perspectives were considered!
• The imaginary dialogue between Hanna and her mom lets us experience her mom as a full-blown, interesting character.
• Hanna is brave and wise beyond her years – and frequently more forward-thinking than her dad (let alone the town she lives in).

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• Deep and explicit racism toward Asians in 1880’s US is a central theme of the book, and important to understand for readers unfamiliar with this part of American history.
• Mistreatment of Native Americans is alluded to, as well.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What convinced the children to feel less uncomfortable around Hanna on her first day at school? Why did they change the next day?
• What did Hanna do to combat negative stereotypes against Asians? How successful was she?
• What bits of Hanna’s mom’s advice helped Hanna win over strangers?
• Why do you think the author included the group of Sioux women in the plotline? How do they make the story richer?
• If you were to write the next chapter after the end of this book, what would happen to Hanna in your story?