Review of Hattie Big Sky

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Larson, Kirby. 2006. HATTIE BIG SKY. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780385735957

PLOT SUMMARY
Hattie Brooks inherits her uncle's Montana claim in 1917. As a sixteen-year-old orphan, the chance to have a place of her own proved to be the driving force behind her determination to prove the claim. Moving from Iowa to Montana, Hattie encounters plenty of obstacles during her first year in this World War I novel.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written in first person, Hattie Inez Brooks has called herself "Hattie Here And There" since her parents died. Passed around from one relative to the next, she jumps at the chance to move to Montana and finish proving her uncle's claim. For the first time, she feels like she will have a place to call her very own. She exchanges letters quite often with a very close friend, Charlie, who is in Europe fighting during World War I. After her arrival in Montana she makes some very close friends, and also learns that the war in Europe is having a profound effect on the people of Montana as well, producing strong anti-German sentiment. She learns to battle the elements, run a fence line, work with animals, plant crops and how to deal with prejudice and loss.
Inspired by the author's Great-grandmother by the same name, the reader is given a look at what life was like for many late 19th century and early 20th century pioneers. The feelings of anti-German sentiment in the novel was accurate to the time period, and mirrors current anti-Muslim sentiment that has been stirred during war. It will challenge readers to see current issues and reminds of the destructiveness of hate. Well researched, the book is difficult to put down. Hattie is a character that is easy to like and you want the best for her. Includes recipes, author's note, bibliography for further reading.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2007 Newbery Honor book
2006 Montana Book Award
Kirkus: "Based on a bit of Larson's family history, this is not so much a happily-ever-after story as a next-year-will-be-better tale, with Hattie's new-found definition of home. This fine offering may well inspire readers to find out more about their own family histories."
KLIATT: "Hattie's strength and intelligence, her courage and loyal friendship make her a real hero."

CONNECTIONS
Another book about WWI:
Lowery, Lois. LIKE THE WILLOW TREE. ISBN 0545265568
Lesson plan unit http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/advancedacademics/gifted/gifted_downloads/learn_contract/Hattie_Big_Sky.pdf