I've always associated Mary Downing Hahn almost exclusively with the memorable scary stories that she has written, including the Caudill-Award-winning Time for Andrew. This book has definitely added dimension to my perception of the author. What makes Daphne's Book so effective for what it is—a story of cautious friendship slowly beginning to take root between two girls who have a lot in common that they never before have noticed—is the realism in how that friendship is built. Daphne is a quiet, put-offish, often derided girl who has always seemed immune to the goings-on around her, and when Jessica is partnered with her to create a picture book in English class, it seems to Jessica that she has drawn the proverbial short straw. She really doesn't want to give Daphne a chance, but the encouragement of her teacher and her mother are enough to make Jessica at least willing to approach the idea of a friendship with Daphne with an open attitude. There's no one point when the flower of new friendship obviously first begins to bloom. Jessica and Daphne connect through the expression of their intellects, the art that binds them (writing, for Jessica, and drawing, for Daphne), and their mutual affection for Daphne's energetic, charming little sister, Hope. Jessica and Daphne run into many setbacks with each other along the way, with Daphne frequently receding back into her standoffish shell of indifference to Jessica's friendliness, but over the course of time things change almost imperceptibly as Daphne begins to accept Jessica as a real friend. Daphne's home is a troubled one, however, and as Jessica grows closer to her, she sees that Daphne and her sister face some serious issues relating to the mental and physical stability of their grandmother (who is their sole guardian) that could change the sisters' lives permanently if anyone were to find out. At the same time, Jessica's friends at school are increasingly teasing her about her friendship with Daphne, whom the popular girls have fixed on from the start as the butt of their thoughtless and often cruel jokes. What is Jessica to do? Would keeping Daphne's secret about her grandmother be the best way to honor the trust of their friendship, or should Jessica speak out to ensure that Daphne and Hope gain the safety of a sure, stable home? Mary Downing Hahn is an exceptional writer. She describes things and people with lovely insight and tremendous skill, but what really stands out to me about her writing in this book is her sensitivity to all of the relationships in the narrative. These relationships are nuanced and complete and touching in every respect, and will make the reader feel as if he or she knows the characters on a personal level; as if they, too, have something real at stake in what ends up happening as the novel progresses. As Daphne points out while she and Jessica are creating their picture book, a happy ending slapped onto a good story can make the whole thing feel false, and forced. It can undo the work of a great writer who has a profound story to deliver. There is nothing false or forced about Daphne's Book, however. It is a novel of the first rank that continues to touch hearts and minds, and hopefully will do so for a very long time. This book is a deeply noteworthy achievement.
Lately I've been really interested in children's ghost stories and on Goodreads I kept running across Mary Downing Hahn, author of Wait Till Helen Comes, along with numerous other ghost books for kids. I just got my hands on a bunch of her books and among them was Daphne's Book. I had thought that I'd never read Hahn as a child, but I was wrong! Turns out I'd actually read Mary Downing Hahn back in my 5th grade class, though it wasn't a ghost book.Daphne's Book is the story of 7th grader Jessica who is paired up with Daphne to work on an English project. Daphne is the "weird kid" of school and insecure Jessica is worried that working with Daphne will hurt her reputation. As the story progresses Jessica and Daphne become friends and Jessica learns about true friendship.It's weird, there are a lot of books from my childhood that I don't remember, but once I was reading it, I remembered Daphne's Book fairly clearly. I have to say that I didn't actually like the book at the time, but that's probably because it was forced upon us in class and I definitely felt we were being preached at. The book was also almost 20 years old at that point and it felt very dated to me. Today it doesn't bother me, but a kid today might not be able to relate.Overall I really liked the story. Jessica reminds me a lot of how I was when I was younger. I was really worried about fitting in - probably because I never wanted to be the kid who was made fun of, like Daphne was. I didn't want to be popular exactly; I just wanted to blend into the crowd. Jessica is in the same situation, but she learns that she can't be friends with both Daphne and Tracy (and Michelle & Shelly) without standing up for Daphne. Even if it's 30 years old at this point, I think there are a lot of good lessons that a modern kid could take away from Daphne's Book. Not only does it touch on bullying, but it also talks about poverty. I first read this book in fifth grade and I think that's a good age for this. Even though the book is about seven graders, I think they're a little too old to appreciate it.
What do You think about Daphne's Book (1995)?
Daphne’s Book has relatable middle school characters and story line. When Jessica is paired up with the ‘weird girl” in English class to write and illustrate a children’s picture book she experiences mean girl/ age expected peer mentality and its effects including low self confidence and self doubt. Jessica grows and learns from the alarming situations she is faced with as she gets to know Daphne and her family. The book is a good representation of mental changes and old age and the coping skills of the younger generation.
—Karol
Daphne is the last person Jessica wants to work with for the write a book contest.They have to work with eachother in order to pass english.When they spend a lot of time together,Jessica realizes that Daphne is really fun to hang amd be around.When they become bestfriends,Jessica's friends catch her hanging out with Daphne.They dont like Daphne,in fact nobody but Jessica does.When they catch her they make fun of her,and stop talking to her.Jessica hides from them because she doesnt want to be seen with Daphne.When they fix things,Daphne tells Jessica a horrible secret that she HAS to tell. Read to find out what. Happens next.........
—Sandy A
Jessica worries that being forced to team with Daphne, the strange, quiet new girl who dresses differently and never speaks, will surely plunge her into the worst of all middle grade fates; oblivion. Her reputation is already tenuous due to her lack of interest in boys and lip gloss. Her best friend, Tracy, is pulling away from her. Jessica had hoped to be teamed with her for the Write-a-Book competition. Once Jessica spends time with Daphne and by default her little sister, Hope, she finds there are reasons for Daphne’s odd behaviors. Reasons Jessica could never have imagined.Daphne’s world is revealed through Jessica’s eyes and her dislike of her partner erodes with each secret she exposes. While the main theme is to look before you judge, Hahn’s ability to show Daphne’s world only through Jessica’s eyes is touching. The same descriptions through Daphne’s point of view would seem whiny or worse, trite.Middle school hasn’t changed much since 1983. Daphne’s Book is an excellent reminder that while children may seem mature, they are still children in need of guidance and, at times, assistance.
—Janet Macreery
