Review of Hannah Saves the World by A.M. Luzzader
As a lover of children’s literature, I was immediately drawn to Hannah Saves the World. Mystery, adventure, and a sprinkle of humor? Sign me up! The premise captivated me: a girl named Hannah who feels a funny urgency to save the world, joined by her skeptical yet loyal friend Mia. With a Lexile score of 840L, it’s aimed squarely at that age group of 8 to 12, and as someone who enjoys reading middle-grade fiction, I was intrigued by what A.M. Luzzader had crafted.
The book kicks off with Hannah sensing a need to address some world-threatening dilemma, which turns out to be linked to the mysterious vandalism of a playground. But don’t be fooled; what follows is a delightful blend of humor and light science fiction as the plot veers toward aliens hiding out in a space cruiser! I must admit, Luzzader’s playful approach reminded me of a favorite childhood read, but with its unique twists—especially involving alien antics—that kept the story refreshing.
From the outset, one thing that stood out to me was the strong emphasis on friendship. Hannah and Mia’s dynamic is wonderfully portrayed, showcasing that skepticism can coexist in a friendship while still fostering collaboration and adventure. This theme, highlighted by various educational topics such as honesty and self-esteem, resonates well with young readers and makes it a great choice for any child.
Many readers have praised the book’s ability to engage. For example, Tisha M. Larsen mentioned that it was a "great attention keeper" when read aloud to her third grader. I found the writing style very approachable and funny—plenty of moments had me chuckling aloud. Similarly, S. Wolcott’s granddaughter loved reading it to her because the two could share laughs together. The light-hearted tone blends well with the narrative, making it suitable for both independent and group reading sessions.
However, though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it did have a couple of minor drawbacks. A few moments in the story felt rushed or slightly predictable, especially in how certain plot elements unfolded. While I appreciated the humor, I wonder if the story might have benefited from a deeper exploration of character backgrounds or perhaps a few more plot twists to keep the readers on their toes. Riverdancer echoed this sentiment, pointing out the simpler complexity may favor younger readers or those with experience in reading more advanced works.
Moreover, while it’s true that younger readers—like my friends’ children—might enjoy this book immensely, I feel strongly that it appeals to a broader range of ages, even adults who enjoy humor and light science fiction, as Luzzader herself hints in the description.
Overall, Hannah Saves the World delivers a delightful reading experience filled with humor, friendship, and a fun storyline. It met my expectations of a middle-grade mystery adventure while providing opportunities for thoughtfulness and laughter. If you’re searching for an engaging book to share with your child or even to enjoy on your own, this might just be the perfect pick.
In summary, I would recommend Hannah Saves the World to anyone looking for an entertaining and heartwarming story. It’s a charming adventure that can spark discussions about friendship and integrity, making it an excellent choice for light reading that still imparts valuable lessons. I look forward to diving into the sequels and watching Hannah and Mia continue their adventures!