Hannah and the Spindle Whorl

Hannah #1

by Carol Anne Shaw

Fiction. Young Adult Novel. Native American Studies. When twelve-year-old Hannah uncovers an ancient Salish spindle whorl hidden in a cave near her home in Cowichan Bay, she is transported back to a village called Tl'ulpalus, in a time before Europeans had settled in the area. Through the agency of a trickster raven, Hannah befriends Yisella, a young Salish girl, and is welcomed into village life. Here she discovers that the spindle whorl is the prize possession of Yisella's mother, Skeepla, a famous spinner and weaver. When Skeepla falls victim to smallpox, Hannah finally begins to open up about the death of her own mother.When twelve-year-old Hannah uncovers an ancient Salish spindle whorl hidden in a cave near her home in Cowichan Bay, she is transported back to a village called Tl'ulpalus, in a time before Europeans had settled in the area. Through the agency of a trickster raven, Hannah befriends Yisella, a young Salish girl, and is welcomed into village life. Here she discovers that the spindle whorl is the prize possession of Yisella's mother, Skeepla, a famous spinner and weaver. When Skeepla falls victim to smallpox, Hannah finally begins to open up about the death of her own mother. Hannah and Yisella are then accidentally left behind when the villagers journey to the mainland, and they witness the arrival of Governor James Douglas and numerous settlers on the Hecate. As the settlers pillage the village for souvenirs, Hannah and Yisella rescue the spindle whorl and, pursued by the ship's crew, escape into the dark forest. From the refuge in the cave, Hannah returns to her own time with a greater understanding of herself and the history of the First Nations.
"A remarkably vibrant novel that links friendship and native history across time."

-- Ann Walsh


Hannah and the Spindle Whorl  is engrossing good fun and would be a treat for young (and young at heart) readers this Christmas."
--  Vancouver Sun


"Carol Anne Shaw tells a thoroughly enjoyable tale. Her characters are rich and original, and they allow us to be swept along in an engaging, fantastical tale spanning 150 years. Young readers will love Hannah, and they just might learn something along the way."
--  Cowichan Valley Voice


"Time travel is difficult to handle well. Here Carol Anne Shaw has fully succeeded. The choice of a local setting makes her tale all the more authentic so that the reader may appreciate that the magic of the journey is centered in that real world. It leaves a sense that magic can, and often does, lie in real places."

--  Deakin Newsletter


"Hannah is a very fun, sympathetic and lively character, and her hometown and funky houseboat are memorable and convincing."
--  CM Magazine


"Carol Anne Shaw has provided readers with an interesting look at Coast Salish culture. By using the spindle whorl as a central plot element, readers will learn about Canadian history, archaeological digs and the preservation of historical artifacts."
--  Resource Links


"it so perfectly captured what it was like to be twelve"
--  What If? Magazine


"Hannah herself is a very likable character -- inquisitive and sensitive, intelligent and tough, and yet not overly perfect. She's still trying to cope with the loss of her mother from a car accident 2 years earlier, she lives on a houseboat, her dad's a writer, and yet she comes across as a realistic typical 12 year old. . . . much more depth than a typical juvenile novel."
-- The Book Mine Set


"Definitely a book I'd recommend for girls..."
-- All Booked Up

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Childrens, Canada

244 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2010

About the author

I'm Carol Anne Shaw, and I write books for young people (mostly). I love the outdoors, musty bookstores, good coffee, hearty soups, and, of course, Marmite.

I live in Cobble Hill, a rural community in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, with my partner Richard and our beagle, Gordie.

My debut novel, Hannah & the Spindle Whorl, is set in Cowichan Bay, BC, and won a silver Moonbeam Award for Best Historical Fiction. The second book in the series, Hannah & the Salish Sea, was published in 2013, followed by Hannah & the Wild Woods in 2015 which earned the Chocolate Lily Award for BC's Best Novel. The series is publshed by Ronsdale Press.

I have also independently published four YA novels: The Peculiar Language of Llamas, The Picasso Project, The Scarlet Armadillo, and Tangofish.

When I’m not writing, I narrate audiobooks from my home studio. It’s a privilege to bring other authors' stories to life.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to reach out anytime at carolanneshawbooks@gmail.com or visit my website: www.carolanneshaw.com

Happy reading!

Reviews

[James Funfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah and the Spindle Whorl, Carol Anne Shaw's debut YA novel, is a compelling blend of educational young adult literature and Canadian folklore. Almost instantly, it reminded me of one of my favourite childhood books, 'The Golden Pine Cone' by Catherine Anthony Clark.The Golden Pine Cone
In 'Hannah', Vancouver Island Coast Salish legends blend with pre-teen adventure to create a fun, touching and culturally sensitive story.

I was particularly impressed by Shaw's depiction of Hannah, who makes a great role model for young women without the character coming off as pedantic or unrealistic. Also of special note are Shaw's colourful depictions of Cowichan Bay and its inhabitants.

I don't read YA or children's books much anymore, but Hannah and the Spindle Whorl brought me back to the days when I used to read books by authors like Sylvia Engdahl Sylvia Engdahl ... something with a touch of the speculative, young but thoughtful characters, exciting adventures and themes relating to social/cultural awareness. Those books had a huge impact on me as a child, as Hannah will for any young reader, or any adult reader who wants to read about a beautiful and historically significant part of Canada: Cowichan Bay...both past and present.

[Kristin Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, Carol Anne Shaw has hit a home run with Hannah and the Spindle Whorl, her first novel for middle readers. The story focuses on 12-year-old Hannah and what happens when she stumbles upon a cave containing very old First Nations drawings and artifacts, most notably a spindle whorl for weaving. The adventure that follows takes Hannah back in time to form a friendship with a native girl from 150 years ago. Not only do the two girls learn about each other's lives and cultures, they also help one another deal with the obstacles each of them faces in their individual worlds.

I was immediately drawn into the story by the setting -- quirky but inviting -- and I could picture myself lying on Hannah's bunk in the houseboat, gazing out at Cowichan Bay. I could also clearly visualize all the activity on the dock and at the nearby bakery. The setting had a definite 'it takes a village' feel to it.

It was important to establish that emotional setting in order to fully appreciate how the same place -- though completely different 150 years earlier -- provided that same community tie for Hannah's First Nation's friend, Yisella. It was the place that drew the girl's together.

Certainly many author's have tackled time travel novels, but what I particularly enjoyed about Hannah's journey back in time was the trigger -- ie. the cave -- she used to transport Hannah, as well as the fact that she doesn't have her flip-flopping from one time to another. By having Hannah stay in Yisella's village for a two-month period, the reader is able to get a feel for the different time and culture. I also liked the raven's presence. At first I found him scary and kept waiting for something bad to happen when he was around, but -- like Hannah -- I gradually came to see his presence as reassuring.

There were a couple of things that I wasn't sure about. Firstly, I would have thought Hannah might have panicked when she found herself caught in another time, but aside from being homesick, she takes everything in stride, even though there is nothing to indicate she will ever get back to her own time. My other quibble was with the ready acceptance of the villagers to Hannah's camera. But every novel requires readers to suspend their disbelief, and these minor reservations do not distract from the effectiveness of the story.

I very much liked the resolution and ending. It tied all the loose ends together without making the story feel like a fairytale. Readers are left with a feeling of contentment but also with lots to think about.

I am looking forward to reading the newest book in the series, Hannah and the Salish Sea.(less)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story and great characters, but the writing was a little awkward. There where a few moments at the beginning when I though "this is what an adult thinks a 12 year old sounds like, not how they actually sound", and far too liberal use of question marks in the middle. By the end it was reading more smoothly, so I have great hopes for book number two. Hay, it's a first novel, room for improvement is only natural :). (and it inspired me to take a drop spindling class, bonus!)

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Carol Anne Shaw is a brilliant story weaver. An excellent history lesson of the Coast Salish people for readers of all ages.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Hannah and the Spindle Whorl" to my grade 6 class and I have evidential proof that they loved it. Not only was this shown through the outstanding work they provided through assignments, they also told me on a regular basis how much they were enjoying the novel.

The story is told through the eyes of an outdoorsy, quirky twelve year old named Hannah. The voice of Hannah is one I really enjoyed reading to my class as the language, interests and relationships seemed so true to that age group. My students especially loved the character of "Jack" the mysterious Raven that leads Hannah through her time travel adventure.

The relationship between Hannah the First Nations girl, Yisella--exemplifies that friendships can overcome any cultural or visual difference. The history that Shaw has outlined about the First Nation's on the West Coast of Canada is presented in an accessible way that gives students the ability to see things from all different perspectives.

I would teach "Hannah and the Spindle Whorl" to future students, no question.

Merged review:

I read "Hannah and the Spindle Whorl" to my grade 6 class and I have evidential proof that they loved it. Not only was this shown through the outstanding work they provided through assignments, they also told me on a regular basis how much they were enjoying the novel.

The story is told through the eyes of an outdoorsy, quirky twelve year old named Hannah. The voice of Hannah is one I really enjoyed reading to my class as the language, interests and relationships seemed so true to that age group. My students especially loved the character of "Jack" the mysterious Raven that leads Hannah through her time travel adventure.

The relationship between Hannah the First Nations girl, Yisella--exemplifies that friendships can overcome any cultural or visual difference. The history that Shaw has outlined about the First Nation's on the West Coast of Canada is presented in an accessible way that gives students the ability to see things from all different perspectives.

I would teach "Hannah and the Spindle Whorl" to future students, no question.

[Clare Heatherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and because the setting for this book is southern Vancouver Island, I was really interested in getting hold of it. I'm so glad I did!
Right from the start, I found the main character, "Hannah" to be an engaging, quirky, unique kid with a strong sense of self. The relationship that Shaw creates between Hannah and the adults in her life is authentic and heartwarming, and young readers will have no problem feeling a kinship with her.
From the moment that Hannah finds herself transported back 150 years to the native village of Tl'ulpalus,the story becomes full of adventure, leaving the reader rooting for Hannah and her new friend, Yisella, and feeling sympathy for the Coast Salish people and all that they are about to face once the European settlers land on the beach.
A special gift for Hannah at the end of the book leaves the reader feeling that all is well with Yisella - or at least that she feels ready to cope with whatever challenges lay ahead.
I feel that the author handled the delicate subject of the plight of our First Nations people with great sensitivity and respect.
Hannah & the Spindle Whorl is a book that not only provides a wealth of interesting historical facts, but is a funny, engaging, and captivating story about friendship.

[Rachel Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from a goodreads giveaway.

This is a really nice middle-grades story. I enjoyed learning a bit about the native American cultures of the Pacific Northwest. I thought the author did a great job of writing for a middle grades reader, but the story was also interesting enough to keep me (an adult reader) going as well. The ending felt a bit abrupt. I would have liked a bit more closure, but I think that is mainly because I had come to enjoy the characters so much - I just wasn't ready to let them go!

[Rachel Seigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of factual information about Aboriginal Canadian history woven into the novel, and makes for a good companion novel for a unit on Aboriginal people. The writing was average, and the point of the story wasn't really clear. It's not likely to be a popular choice with students, but it's good enough that if assigned, they will probably enjoy it.

[Harold Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy for thirteen year olds...and me.

[Terry Johnson]

Magic and ravens and pictographs and history and lore and a spindle whorl. Not many novels like it. I love reading about Canadian history and this one teaches in a way that makes it real.

[Dyck House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to cover an aboriginal unit.

[Joy Ou]

1. Hannah& the Spindle Whorl is a story about Hannah's adventure to discover the mystery behind the spindle whorl that was found near her hometown, Cowichan Bay. Led by a Hannah and the Spindle Whorl follows Hannah as she uncovers the mystery of a spindle whorl found near Cowichan Bay. Guided by a mystical raven, she is transported 150 years into the past, where she befriends Yisella, a Cowichan girl, and learns about the traditions of her village, Tl'ulpalus. Hannah discovers the spindle whorl belonged to Skeepla, Yisella’s mother, who died during a smallpox outbreak. The two bond over their shared grief, but when European settlers arrive looking for artifacts, they rescue the spindle whorl and flee into the forest. Hannah escapes through a cave and returns to her time with a deeper understanding of her town’s history.

2. I related to Hannah’s friendship with Yisella, which shows how shared grief and past experiences can transcend time and differences to create meaningful human connections. Her courage to step into a new world and face unfamiliar challenges resonates with my own journey of exploring my past during therapy sessions, where I seek to understand how it shaped my personality. However, I didn’t relate as much to Hannah’s determination to uncover the meaning of the spindle whorl or her fearless approach to being transported to another era. Her calmness in such an unfamiliar situation felt far from my own reactions. With that being said, the contrast between the vibrant Cowichan Bay villages and the arrival of European settlers was vividly portrayed, adding emotional depth to the story.

3. Historical Context: Culture and the people of Cowichan Bay, the invasion of the European colonies, and the vast spread of smallpox and its effects.

Culture Significant: The meaning of spindle whorl to the Cowichan culture, traditional practices, leisure activities, and stories that are told in daily lives.

[Jacci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah is a fun, interesting character who doesn't fit easily in with her peers. She is grieving her mother's death but has a good relationship with her father. The two live on a houseboat in Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island, BC.
A Raven leads her into a cave where she finds a Spindle Whorl, which is used in spinning wool for making blankets. The artifact leads to a relationship with a girl born 150 years ago. I enjoyed learning about the area and the indigenous tribes that lived there. The author immerses you in their world so you feel you are a part of it.
I think this would be a great book for a child who is interested in history, friendship, and a bit of magic. It is the first book in a three-book series. It is also on Audible.
I’ve enjoyed many other books by this author and highly recommend The Peculiar Language of Llamas. I remember laughing out loud several times during that book.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my Grade 7 students for a novel study unit. I chose this book because I wanted to expose them to Indigenous culture through literature, rather than read another classic novel written by an old white man.

The students enjoyed it! They were fascinated to learn about Coast Salish culture in the 1800s. However, next year I will find a novel written by an Indigenous author. Although I appreciated the intercultural friendship between Hannah and Yisella, I wish there had been two main characters instead of just a focus on Hannah. At times, the plot leered dangerously close toward the “White Saviour” narrative.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a spinner myself, and listened to this book while dressing my loom. I am immersed in the art of fiber, and deeply interested in indigenous fiber practices. I went into the book knowing that it was meant for younger readers, and thought I had adjusted my expectations accordingly.

Unfortunately, while I think there were all kinds of good intentions here, there was still too much White Savior for me. I also found the dialogue…jarring. Kind of like someone trying to write down tween speech without actually being familiar with it. It definitely had the “How do you do, fellow kids” vibe.

[Daisy Bains · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Salish spindle whorl, a mystical raven, and a adventurous young soul equals: Time travel! But there is so much more. There are true facts and history. Theres secrets and red herrings. Hannah and the spindle whorl will be with you in your thoughts and dreams after reading. Its a new take of friendship and native history across time and for that reason I feel it deserves 5 stars.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for a Novel Study. The children in my grade 4/5 class liked it and it has a nice tie in with British Columbian history.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brings kids, history to life. Hannah finds a Cowichan artifact, travels to 1862, her fingers fly like magic to ply wool, see smallpox and ship Apache.
Typo: 18.2 through IS though

[lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute favorite series. very well written and likeable characters. ill never stop reccomending.

[K.A. Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, lightly speculative time travel/portal adventure on Vancouver Island. Love the sense of place—makes me want to visit!

[Peri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to learn about the Coast Salish way of life in the 1800s. Shaw makes history and culture accessible to all. Huy ch q'u!

[Leanne C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were well developed and I felt connected to the protagonist, Hannah. The relationship between her and her father was special and I enjoyed the humour they shared. Shaw painted a great visual of Cowichan, current day, and 150+ years ago. Her descriptions made me feel I was there. The plot was interesting but I found myself riveted during the last 1/3 of the book, when there was quite a bit of action and some mystery. I enjoyed the mystical elements in the story and like how Shaw combined the historical/cultural with her fiction. In my non-expert opinion, it feels like Shaw did a good job honouring and representing First Nations cultures and traditions. I am not racing out to find #2, but will definitely put it on my to-be-read list, only because #1 wrapped up so neatly.

[Kristine Paton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah's character is the perfect blend of self-esteem, without being self-centred; confidence, without being over-bearing; and compassion without seeming unrealistic for her age. Although the book is targeted to the YA market, I enjoyed the storyline with all its quirky characters, especially Jack, the raven with an attitude. The setting is believable, as is Hannah’s unexpected and otherworldly adventures. Shaw’s mix of historical fact with fictional events creates a story that readers will enjoy right to The End. Best part: the second book, Hannah & the Salish Sea is ready to go when you’re finished…and the third adventure, Hannah & the Wild Woods is in the works.

[Kyrita Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was about 10, when it came out. It's been a decade since then and while I don't remember a lot about the book, I remember how it made me feel. I remember that it impacted me very deeply, and I believe it was the first book to ever make me cry.
It's also set in the area where I was raised, which I think contributed to why it was so dear to me.
I would like to re-read it one of these days.