Larson, Kirby. 2006. Hattie Big Sky. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0-385-90332-4
Hattie Inez Brooks is 16 years old. Orphaned, Hattie has inherited a land from an uncle she hardly knows in Montana. She takes on the responsibility in caring for the place. She has only eight months to make it or she will lose it all. She has help from her neighbors but she always feels alone and isolated. She has a friend, Charlie, who is serving over seas in France and a cat, Mr. Whispers. Hattie struggles with the harsh land and work but is filled with hope. Based on Larson's actual great grandmother's life.
Hattie Big Sky is set in 1918. World War I is being fought overseas. I believe if the reader is a true fan of historical fiction, they will enjoy this book. Teenagers of that time worked hard in their family businesses or jobs. Family members have spoken to me about growing up and working as a child or teenager during the wars. Although, factuallycorrect, I don't believe teens would relate or identify with Hattie. The idea of working and toiling on a farm may seem alien to today's teenagers. Also, the letter writing that people did during the war is true and may be a sign of patriotism, letter writing is an ancient form of communication by today's standards. Today's teen are strangers to hard work and probably will not relate to Hattie's dilemma but may relate to her determination and perseverance. A 16 year old girl, living alone and having her own place will shock teens today. Although Larson's descriptions of the land may be beautiful, the long passages of working a farm will come across to today's teenagers as boring; especially when she talks about running from wild horses, building a fence and taking care of chickens. How boring is that to teens with cell phones, ipods and computers. Although, Larson's characters may be realistic and believable, the book may not to entertaining to teens of today. The theme of "hard work will persevere" and "true friendship will last" are unforgettable and timeless.
Hattie Big Sky won the 2007 Newberry Honor Book. One starred review from School Library Journal stated, “Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.” Kathleen Odean from Booklist wrote: "Larson, whose great-grandmother homesteaded alone in Montana, read dozens of homesteaders' journals and based scenes in the book on real events. Writing in figurative language that draws on nature and domestic detail to infuse her story with the sounds, smells, and sights of the prairie, she creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters".
I enjoyed the chapters starting off with either letters she has written to Charlie or articles Hattie has written for the newspaper. They (the letters or articles) seems to "catch" the reader up on what is happening. It is a strength to the novel. Not being a fan of historical fiction, it was a chore to read through this book; however, I particularly like the two recipes at the end of the book for Perilee's Spice Cake and Hattie's Biscuits.
Hattie Inez Brooks is 16 years old. Orphaned, Hattie has inherited a land from an uncle she hardly knows in Montana. She takes on the responsibility in caring for the place. She has only eight months to make it or she will lose it all. She has help from her neighbors but she always feels alone and isolated. She has a friend, Charlie, who is serving over seas in France and a cat, Mr. Whispers. Hattie struggles with the harsh land and work but is filled with hope. Based on Larson's actual great grandmother's life.
Hattie Big Sky is set in 1918. World War I is being fought overseas. I believe if the reader is a true fan of historical fiction, they will enjoy this book. Teenagers of that time worked hard in their family businesses or jobs. Family members have spoken to me about growing up and working as a child or teenager during the wars. Although, factuallycorrect, I don't believe teens would relate or identify with Hattie. The idea of working and toiling on a farm may seem alien to today's teenagers. Also, the letter writing that people did during the war is true and may be a sign of patriotism, letter writing is an ancient form of communication by today's standards. Today's teen are strangers to hard work and probably will not relate to Hattie's dilemma but may relate to her determination and perseverance. A 16 year old girl, living alone and having her own place will shock teens today. Although Larson's descriptions of the land may be beautiful, the long passages of working a farm will come across to today's teenagers as boring; especially when she talks about running from wild horses, building a fence and taking care of chickens. How boring is that to teens with cell phones, ipods and computers. Although, Larson's characters may be realistic and believable, the book may not to entertaining to teens of today. The theme of "hard work will persevere" and "true friendship will last" are unforgettable and timeless.
Hattie Big Sky won the 2007 Newberry Honor Book. One starred review from School Library Journal stated, “Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.” Kathleen Odean from Booklist wrote: "Larson, whose great-grandmother homesteaded alone in Montana, read dozens of homesteaders' journals and based scenes in the book on real events. Writing in figurative language that draws on nature and domestic detail to infuse her story with the sounds, smells, and sights of the prairie, she creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters".
I enjoyed the chapters starting off with either letters she has written to Charlie or articles Hattie has written for the newspaper. They (the letters or articles) seems to "catch" the reader up on what is happening. It is a strength to the novel. Not being a fan of historical fiction, it was a chore to read through this book; however, I particularly like the two recipes at the end of the book for Perilee's Spice Cake and Hattie's Biscuits.
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