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Nancy Drew meets Hamlet in this modern, middle grade reimagining that stars a tween girl with ADHD and a mystery to solve

HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY

By Ashley Hards

From debut author Ashley Hards comes a modern, neurodiverse reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet starring a young girl with undiagnosed ADHD (diagnosed in the sequel) that offers readers a fresh take on a familiar classic, with a mystery twist à la favorites such as Nancy Drew and Sammy Keyes: HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY by Ashley Hards (Fabled Films Press | September 10, 2024 | Ages 9-12).

Hannah has a lot on her mind. Her father—the Canola King—is missing and no one in her rural farming community seems to care, especially her evil Uncle Fergus. So when her best friend Sam Castillo tells Hannah he thinks he saw her father’s ghost down at the old Riverway Mill, she decides to take matters into her own hands. 

On the edge of going from a “good kid” to a “bad kid”, Hannah stops pretending to pay attention to her endlessly boring classes, and with Sam, their sidekick Tim the Hall Monitor, and eventually a whole lot of Riverway frogs, Hannah embarks on a journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. Along the way, she uncovers secrets, confronts challenges in school due to her ADHD, talks to a ghost, and learns the true meaning of determination and friendship.

Over 9.8% of kids in the US have ADHD, with girls both under-diagnosed and under-portrayed in the media. Author Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22, and the world she creates in HANNAH EDWARDS is deeply rooted in her own experiences. While Hards masterfully and authentically represents ADHD (and showcases neurodiversity as a positive asset), Hannah’s ADHD is not the focus of the story, but rather another element of her characterization. Reminiscent of Henry Winkler’s Hank Zipzer series, in which Hank’s dyslexia was secondary to his school escapades, neurodiverse and neurotypical kids alike will delight in Hannah’s adventures as she investigates her father’s mysterious disappearance, and relate to her need for agency and her unstoppable drive. 

Told through Hannah’s secret journal, the book features a fun and unconventional mix of listicles, transcripts of recordings, some straight narratives, and even an Epic poem that will get kids excited about reading, and uses a font that increases legibility and readability for readers of all abilities. Blending mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF RIVERWAY is a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with plenty of heart.

Fabled Films Press has numerous classroom resources written and developed under the supervision of educators and professionals to support the book, including a Neurodiversity Discussion Guide by Dr. Dawn Jacobs Martin, PhD; a Common Core Language Arts Guide by Pat Scales; and a print-at-home Tween Activity Kit with word games, crafts, and writing activities. All of these resources and more are available at www.Hannah-Edwards.com.

About the Author

Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she found books and writing to be the most engaging subjects, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University, where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual.

Always the adrenaline lover, Ashley enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera. (Hey, it’s exciting.) She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek, and the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her first book. Find her on Instagram @ashleyrhards. 

Praise for Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway

“A strong retelling that…captures the middle-grade spirit, this debut novel is perfect for fans of mysteries, ghost stories that feel rooted in the real world, and strong characters who make internal revelations as well as strides in their worlds.”

—Booklist

“Hannah Edwards is the best book I’ve seen that authentically and comprehensively illustrates the experience of ADHD in girls, which presents itself differently from boys, and often goes undiagnosed.”

—Tori Kelley, Ph.D., President and Founder of Central Florida Mental Health

“Hannah is no ordinary sleuth and this mystery has so many layers to it. Her neurodivergent world touched me deeply and I would love to read another riveting detective story about this fantastic girl.”

—Therese Stanford, Bookseller, Oblong Books, Millerton, NY

“A journey of neurodivergent self-discovery told through a satisfying mystery, Hannah’s determination and likability is sure to attract readers!”

—Rosemary Kiladitis, Community Library Manager, Queens Public Library, NY

About Fabled Films Press

Fabled Films Press creates original content for young readers and middle-grade audiences that combines strong literary properties with high-quality production values to connect books with generations of parents and their children. Each property is supported by websites, educator guides, and activities for bookstores, educators, and librarians, as well as videos and social media content. Fabled Films Press has published two critically acclaimed children’s book series: Pippa Park by Erin Yun and The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht. Find them online at fabledfilms.com, on Facebook at @Fabled.Films.Press, and on Instagram and TikTok at @fabled.films.