Thee Hannah

Hannah doesn't like to dress so plainly. She longs to wear the kinds of fancy clothes her friends wear. In the end, it is her plain bonnet that lets a runaway slave identify her as someone who can be trusted to help. She learns a valuable lesson about her faith and what its traditions mean to others. The best part of the book is in the last few pages. It seemed like the author dwells a lot on Hannah's unhappiness with her plain clothes, but the character does seem to have an attitude children can relate to. The end is very satisfying.

I love this book. Remembered it from when I was a child. Had a profound impact on me as a child, and I remembered it when I went into a profession where I had to wear a "uniform" or costume for the job I pursued in the medical field. People have certain expectations of that uniform, and it was my responsibility to be open to the needs and suffering of others, and they knew they could trust me because of what that outfit said- I'm here to help you.

This is a beautiful story based on the family stories of the author. I will warn parents that children are quite moved by it. While very young, my own daughter was so impressed she abandoned wearing all the beautiful, brightly colored clothes stocking her closet in favor of almost exclusively grey clothing. For years now that child has dressed in grey, grey, grey.

There's a quiet peacefulness to this book which takes place in Philadelphia before the Civil War. Illustrated in watercolor and fine pencil drawings, Marguerite de Angeli tell a genuine story of a young Quaker girl's curiosity, desires and ultimately, her courage. She also gives us a view into the times-- including the Underground Railroad. I especially adore how each chapter starts with the street calls--oyster man, pepper pot lady, and more. Few of Marguerite de Angeli's books remain in print. Look for others at your local libraries and second hand book vendors. Nine o'clock, and all's well! Nine o'clock of a rainy night! Michelle Edwards, A Knitter's Home Companion , Chicken Man

Read this many, many years ago; it is still with me. Hannah's desire for pretty clothes is only too human. The way she learns to appreciate her family's Quaker values is deeply moving. Good stuff for grown-ups too.

I have loved this story for years. It was my mother’s favorite and I am grateful to have a copy again. It’s a sweet story about the importance of being you, set in the backdrop of Quakers and the underground railway.

Marguerite DeAngeli is one of the best writers of children's books. Not only was she a gifted writer, but she was a fine illustrator too. I have read her books to my children and now I purchase them for my grandchildren for their parents to read to them and/or to be read by them. I highly recommend her stories to everyone; for adults to read also. I hope to see all of her works republished someday for the stories are just as timely today as they were when first written.

This gentle 1940's book by De Angeli, based on true anecdotes and truer values, remains a sweet charmer even in the 21st century. It was a challenge back then to accept life without the frills. Eight-year-old Hannah is a typical girl who longs for ribbons, bright-colored clothing, fancy frills and pretty attire. Which is natural enough--but Not permissable or encouraged in a devout, Quaker family, where Plain and Simple are deemed best. The Lord looks on the heart--not on externals--but Hannah has a hard time accepting such a gloomy outlook. Hannah's desire to look fashionable leads her into trouble or disgace on several oocasions--after which her mother gently amdonishes her re the necessity of observing and appreciating Quaker values. What Hannah only later comes to understand is that her religious sect, the Friends as they are called, were helpful to runaway slaves following the Underground railroad. Feminine Nature competes with Quaker Nurture in this short but charmingly quaint story--related with the traditional Thee's and Thou's, and authentically illustrated. Learning to accept modest dress is a valuable lesson for Hannah, as she grows to realize the importance of a simple bonnet. At the book's conclusion Hannah actually takes pride in modest attire--which has demonstrated serious social consequences--developing a Taste for Simplicity after all.

This is a lovely story about a little girl who wants frilly dresses like her friend. A moral tale told with gentle humour. Suitable for ages 3-10. Either in a family setting or for any sort of religious or moral instruction.

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The story is believable and the drawings are exquisite. Hannah chafes at the simplicity of the Quaker ways of her family. But this is changed when a woman asks for her help and later thanks Hannah’s family but particularly Hannah herself.