Larson, Kirby. 2006. HATTIE BIG SKY. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385733137
2. Plot Summary
After the death of her parents Hattie has been shuffled from relative to relative. At age sixteen she receives a letter from her uncle in Montana who has passed away. "A home of my own! Montana!" (9). She decides to be free from her relatives and start a new life on the claim. She shares her adventure through letters to her best friend Charlie who is fighting in World War I and her Uncle Holt back in Iowa. "Something shifted in my heart as Charlie swung his foot onto the train steps" (3). Through blizzards, drought, and back breaking work Hattie will discover the meaning of independence. Along the way she makes friends with her neighbors and strives to be a good American.
3. Critical Analysis
The hero and teller of the story is a sixteen year old girl. She is a realistic character who could of lived during this time period. Hattie is a good person that feels that all people should be treated equally. This belief makes her a heroine in the story. A marvelous story about courage, loyalty, perseverance, and the meaning of home. I gave my heart to the brave and determined Hattie,and I think you will, too."(Karen Cushman) She has problems that any adolescent can relate to, she is growing up and trying to find her place in the world.
Hattie story takes place during World War I. The war add major conflicts to the story. The people in Montana are know suspicious of their neighbors wondering what side they are on? "This county measured up in the first two Liberty Loan drives," answered Mr. Saboe. "No reason to doubt it won't happen again" (132). The main characters only connection to the war is her best friend who joined the army and the conflict in the town that is affecting her neighbors. "As we bumped over the top, the smell hit me hard, like a wildly thrown pitch. Smoke. And it was coming from the direction of Perilee's" (137). The events that happen in the story are plausible. During war time people are nervous and want to help the soldiers. The events in the novel are not exaggerated or romanticized the story could have taken place.
The majority of the story takes place in Vida, Montana Dec 1917 to Dec 1918. The telling of the story is accurate. People in the old west are still riding horses and a few have cars. The clothing is correct and way the people lived in Montana during this time period. "I turned around half thinking to jump back on the train" (18). Two wood-block steps led up to a rough-hewn door. A small window-the only window, I was to find out-left of the door stared dully at me. This cockeyed, slapped together nine-foot by twelve-foot claim shack" (37). They did not have the advances that the east coast of American was using to live. The story was well researched and fits the life that was happening during this time period in history.
The theme of the story is that war is hard and can tear people apart. Times are hard during war and emotions run even higher. Life at home can be conflicting and has hard as actually being on the battle field fighting. War is not easy on anyone. "I leaned my head back against the seat and closed my eyes. So much had happened in one year's time" (282). Even though the story is set in the past it could be related to problems between people during any war from the past to the present times. "This is a great read for anyone who appreciates history or learning what life was like for teens in the past" (Detroit Free Press).
4. Review Excerpts
2007 Newbery Honor Book
2006 Montana Book Award
School Library Starred Review
Booklist Starred Review
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2006 Cybils Nomination
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL says “Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.”
5. Connections
Other World War I historical novels:
Augarde, Steve. CELANDINE. ISBN 0385750498
Frost, Helen. CROSSING STONES. ISBN 9780374316532
Sedgwick, Marcus. THE FORESHADOWING. ISBN 0385908814
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