Hannah's Touch

CM Magazine

"Hannah narrates the magic realism of her experiences with a sarcastic wit that adds humour to the book...The low vocabulary format does not inhibit Langston's ability to intricately and realistically convey the lingering emotions following a traumatic loss and the paralyzing effect of guilt and anger...Recommended."

Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee

"With a topic that is acceptable for children of many ages, this book would be a good addition to a middle or high school Orca Soundings collection."

TeensReadToo.com

"Offers a quick glimpse into the world of miracles. It's an easy, fast read most teens will enjoy."

Bookvacations.wordpress.com

"While still dealing with real life situations and utilizing the coming of age theme, Langston reaches out to readers who also crave a bit of the unexplained...Langston does a wonderful job capturing the teenage voice in this novel. Hannah struggles with forgiveness and guilt...[and] as the story is told in first person, the reader has firsthand knowledge of Hannah's thoughts and feelings, which helps keep the reader connected throughout the story."

Booklist

"Like other books in the Orca Soundings line, this is a quick, plot-driven read with a compelling premise that will appeal to fans of supernatural dramas."

MSU) Book Notes (Center for Children's/Young Adult Books

"Langston writes about real life tragedy with a supernatural twist, told in a teenage voice which young adult readers will relate to and appreciate."

Kim Coyle

Hannah is a 16-year-old still coping with the death of her boyfriend. Her average day consists of work, school, home, and thoughts of Logan. Everything is normal in Hannah's life until the day she is stung by a bee. The near-death experience gives Hannah the one thing she has been hoping for since Logan died—a chance to see him again. But that chance comes with a price: Hannah is given the unique power to physically heal people. It is a power that Hannah cannot take lightly. With the help of Logan's spirit, Hannah must choose whether or not she is going to use her power to heal the one person responsible for causing Logan's death. Hannah's Touch is an emotional tale of forgiveness and learning to let go of one who has passed. Although the novel is a short and easy read, Langston realistically conveys the guilt and anger over losing someone special. Reviewer: Kim Coyle

Children's Literature - Shirley Nelson

Over a year after his death, Hannah is still mourning the loss of her boyfriend Logan. She is angry at her friends, particularly Ted, who she holds responsible for Logan's drunk-driving accident. She also blames herself for not trying harder to stop Logan from driving. She desperately holds on to Logan's St. Christopher Medal much as she holds on to his memory. A bee sting on a sunny day, however, changes her life. Hannah has a near-death, out-of-body experience following a severe allergic reaction. She hears Logan's voice asking her to do something, but she is not sure what he means. Strangely, Hannah discovers that after touching a crippled dog it can walk. Doubting this ability at first, she finally is convinced that her touch is healing, but now she simply feels freakish. Hannah struggles with her anger and grief as she comes to realize what it is that Logan wants, and, finally, she is able to heal herself. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson