Daphne's Book

In Daphne's Book, Mary Downing Hahn weaves together the strands of a real seventh grader's life--family, school and friends--creating a tapestry rich with details. The Maryland setting is lovingly rendered, and the characters are truly believable people. In spite of their imperfections, Daphne and Jessica forge a special bond as they grapple with tough real-world problems. The story gives kids plenty of opportunities to think about how others think and feel. Readers who enjoy Daphne's Book might also like Danger, Long Division, in which another ordinary Maryland kid solves her problems at home and at school with the help of unlikely allies.

Daphne's Book is a wonderful story dealing with friendship. When Jessica, an average accepted student, is paired with Daphne, a social outcast, for a project, she is less than thrilled. However as the two girls work on the project they build a strong, lasting friendship. Jessica soon finds out about a secret that Daphne is having to live through that could be hurting her. Jessica tries to help the best she can without spilling the secret. When the secret is told, Daphne gets upset and the two get into an argument. Will their friendship last despite this? Read this book to find out! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone. It is a wonderful tale that makes me wish for as lasting a friendship as they had. This is definately a story you should add to your reading list!

I remember the very first time our librarian held this book up - brand new and shiny - the protective book cover crackling an invitation...."read me". I was in elementary school - Daphne's Book was brand new and had been nominated for an award - which it lost to another book written the same year, The Dollhouse Murders.I checked this book out so many times, I would be surprised if anyone else was able to read it! I was a misfit - the kind in Jessica's category - not fitting in anywhere - and kind of fitting in everywhere. I had not found my niche, but knew I didn't believe in treating people differently based on appearances. I cannot begin to tell you the magic of this book and the way it touched my life. Few offerings to children these days offer such a statement on the meaning of love and true friendship. Jessica faces a true "moral dillema" and makes the right choice, even though it is difficult. Daphne (the true hero of the book) is magic - she lures you to those that sit by themselves in the corner of the room - lost in a realm we do not understand. She makes you think twice about prejudice of any kind. She encourages us to rise above our situation and bloom where we are planted. Any child that feels they are "different" would be enriched by this book. Any parent will be moved to tears as they read it with them.

I read this book many years ago and it still haunts me. I read it during those horrible junior high school years and I was so happy to know that someone else felt those same feelings of constriction and alienation. A fantastic, ambitious book. It encourages young women to dream.

Every one in Jessica's 6th grade class makes fun of Daphne except Jessica. When there's a writing contest the english teacher insisted on putting Jessica and Daphne together. At first Jessica is terrified and upset. Then as she get's to know her better they become very good friends. Daphne has a secret that she told only to Jessica, though keeping it may leed to trouble. This book made me cry and makes you think about how lucky you are. This is definitely a book every one should read.