Larson, Kirby. 2006. Hattie Big Sky. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385735957
Plot Summary
This historical novel centers around the adventures of 16 year old Hattie Brooks who after living with various family members for most of her life, moves to Montana when she inherited her late uncle's land in the year 1917. Hattie learns how to work the land and brave the elements while making close friends with her German neighbors and others in her new community. During this time, anti-German sentiments were common in the community. Hattie was often torn between proving she was a loyal American and a loyal friend to her neighbors who have helped her so often during her struggles on the frontier.
Critical Analysis
The characters in Hattie Big Sky are well developed and relatable. Hattie herself is much like many teenage girls. She is a little shaky on her feet but thirsts for adventure and independence. She also goes through different periods of self doubt where she questions what she might have gotten herself into. This is something teenagers face often and although Hattie speaks differently, dresses differently, and lives a much different day to day life, they will still find something in common with her.
The plot and setting of this book are strong points of the novel. The plot uses simple terms so that the reader can understand what life was like back in the that time without feeling overwhelmed with facts and other details. The author does a great job of describing the setting so that the reader can easily paint a picture of what is happening in their mind. One particular vividly painted scene was when Hattie described her house upon arriving. "Gaps in the siding revealed black tar paper, like decay between haphazard teeth. Two wood-block steps led up to a rough-hewn door." This helps readers understand just how bad the house was and just how different it is from what we are used to in our modern times.
The theme and style of Hattie Big Sky accurately reflect that of the early 1900s. Hard work, kindness, and hospitality are strong throughout the novel. The speech patterns and mannerisms are simple and polite reflecting what many of us would imagining when thinking of this time period.
This novel is authentic in that the author did a lot of research when writing Hattie's story. She started with letters and journals from her own family history and continued with visits to museums, personal interviews, and research from historical societies. In the back of Hattie Big Sky, readers will find a bibliography of further readings about the Montana frontier life and World War I.
Review Excerpts:
- Newbery Honor Book
- School Library Journal- "Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered."
Connections:
*Visit an online exhibition of World War I: http://www.firstworldwar.com/
*Bake a few dozen servings of Hattie's Lighter than Lead Biscuits to share with the class. Recipe is found in the back of the novel.
No comments:
Post a Comment