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Published by Fabled Films Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
“Clever Heroine and Paranormal Intrigue.” - School Library Journal
Something's Rotten in Riverway! Sleuth Hannah must talk to a ghost, team up with friends, and use her ADHD superpowers to solve the mystery. Take Nancy Drew, mix it with Aza from Turtles All the Way Down, and add a frog apocalypse!
Hannah has a lot on her mind. Her father—the Canola King—is missing, and no one in her small town seems to care. With the support of her best friend Sam Castillo, and their sidekick Tim the Hall Monitor, Hannah embarks on a journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.
Along the way, she uncovers secrets that she records in her journal, confronts challenges in middle school due to her ADHD, talks to a ghost, and learns the true meaning of determination and friendship.
Bonus Book Content: Author Q&A and Book Club Discussion Guide
GREAT FOR READERS AGES 9-12
The novel’s blend of prose and inventive journal entries make it a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with heart.
Perfect for School, Classroom, or Library!
Complimentary Educator Guides:
Something's Rotten in Riverway! Sleuth Hannah must talk to a ghost, team up with friends, and use her ADHD superpowers to solve the mystery. Take Nancy Drew, mix it with Aza from Turtles All the Way Down, and add a frog apocalypse!
Hannah has a lot on her mind. Her father—the Canola King—is missing, and no one in her small town seems to care. With the support of her best friend Sam Castillo, and their sidekick Tim the Hall Monitor, Hannah embarks on a journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.
Along the way, she uncovers secrets that she records in her journal, confronts challenges in middle school due to her ADHD, talks to a ghost, and learns the true meaning of determination and friendship.
Bonus Book Content: Author Q&A and Book Club Discussion Guide
GREAT FOR READERS AGES 9-12
The novel’s blend of prose and inventive journal entries make it a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with heart.
Perfect for School, Classroom, or Library!
- An Authentic ADHD Reimagining of Hamlet
- Interior font designed for increased reader accessibility
- For kids that like the Sammy Keyes mysteries and relate to Honestly Elliott
Complimentary Educator Guides:
- Neurodiversity Guide
- Common Core Language Arts Guide
- Tween Book Club with printable activities
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 finds books and writing to be the most engaging, 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. She grew up in Calgary, Canada.
Always the adrenaline lover, she 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 where 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.
Product Details
- Publisher: Fabled Films Press (June 4, 2025)
- Length: 268 pages
- ISBN13: 9781944020798
- Ages: 9 - 12
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Raves and Reviews
Filled with twists and humor, this fresh take on a small-town mystery is perfect for readers who love clever heroines and paranormal intrigue.
– School Library Journal
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
Delightful middle grade novel whose ghost story pairs with a refreshing window into the lives of the neurodiverse.
– Foreword Reviews
Through depictions of Hannah’s skepticism and can-do attitude, debut author Hards introduces a heroine who handily propels this familiar yet exciting supernatural mystery.
– Publishers Weekly
Original and a fun read from start to finish... [the book] deftly combines an exciting mystery and a relatable coming-of-age story about ADHD, friendship, school, and family.
– Midwest Book Review
Hannah’s voice speaks directly to readers which helps to draw them into the book... This book should appeal to lovers of ghosts and small-town mysteries and I recommend you give it a shot.
– YA Book Central
Children with ADHD will find solace in Hannah's struggles and admire her coping mechanisms. At the same time, neurotypical readers will gain a deeper understanding of their neurodiverse peers while thoroughly enjoying the plot as it unravels.
– The Children's Book Review
A 2024 Children’s Institute Pick for Building Diverse Children’s Sections – Neurodiversity
– The American Booksellers Association
A 2024 Best Books for Young Readers Catalog Pick
– The American Booksellers Association
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway Trade Paperback 9781944020798
- Author Photo (jpg): Ashley Hards (0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
