HATTIE BIG SKY by Kirby Larson

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Larson, Kirby. 2006. Hattie Big Sky. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385733137

PLOT SUMMARY
Hatie Brooks is a sixteen-year-old orphan. Her parents died when she was very young, and since then she has been shuffled around from one relative to another. She has never felt honestly wanted; she has never had a real home. When an uncle she has never met leaves her a homestead in Montana, Hattie decides that his claim is her chance for a home of her own. In order to prove the claim, she must learn a new set of skills to survive. Hattie has to deal with a frigid winter, a threat of no crops, and her own inexperience and loneliness. At the end, when a disaster strikes, Hattie will unveil the true meaning of home and the full scope of friendship; she will dicover that the possibilities are always around her.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Inspired by the author's great-grandmother, who did homestead by herself in eastern Montana, this absorbing story introduces us to the questing, indomitable Hattie, one of the strongest pioneer girl characters. Through these pages, we witness her evolution from the child who calls herself "Hattie Here-and-There" to the young woman who says “there were bigger things in life than proving up on a claim. I was proving up on my life”. She grows to a person who does what needs to be done, and learns the true life values. Hattie’s struggle for survival is shown in vivid details and readers could relate to her grit, determination and humor.

The historical aspects of the plot are very believable, without being overwhelming. Set in 1917 during World War I, the novel not only portrays the challenges of pioneer life as experienced by a young woman, but also accurately represents the background of the war, and associated with it privations and pressures. Even in the wilderness of Montana, the war against the Germans causes a wave of anti-German sentiment and adds tension. The book deals openly and frankly with the universal themes of loyalty, prejudice, patriotism and human morals. The authentic first-person narrative, full of hope and anxiety, as well as Hattie’s letters and newspaper articles, convey additional themes about struggle and survival and finding your place in the world, so relevant in today’s world.

Larson’s capturing writing style will keep the reader interested until the very last page. Full of both triumph and heartache and beautifully written, the story combines sufficient action, historical accuracy and compelling description to attract even reluctant readers. Hattie Big Sky is a fantastic story about courage and friendship.

AWARDS
ALA Notable Children's Books - Older Readers Category: 2007
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2006
Montana Book Award
School Library Journal Best Books: 2006
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2007


REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.”

Booklist: “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.

Horn Book : “Set in Montana during World War I, Larson's novel tells a gripping story of frontier life through the eyes of an unlikely homesteader--a sixteen-year-old orphan girl. Pressures to be a "loyal" American complicate her situation after she befriends a German couple. Evocative yet straightforward language ably depicts Hattie's joys and struggles.”

CONNECTIONS
* Introduce other historical fiction novels, discussing teens who discover their self-reliance:

Van Leeuwen, Jean. Cabin on Trouble Creek . ISBN: 9780803725485

MacColl, Michaela.Prisoners in the Palace : How Victoria Became Queen With the Help of her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel. ISBN: 9780811873000

Finn, Mary.Anila's Journey. ISBN: 9780763639167