HATTIE BIG SKY by Kirby Larson

1. Bibliography

Larson, Kirby. 2006. Hattie Big Sky. New York: A Yearling Book. ISBN 9780385735957

2. Plot Summary

Hattie Here-and-There is an orphan who has spent her life shuffled from one relative to the next, with no place to call home. One day, 16 year old Hattie is given the opportunity to finish proving up a Montana land claim left to her by her now dead uncle. Seizing her opportunity to make a home of her own, Hattie bravely sets off alone to tame her patch of the wide Montana prairie. Experiencing trials, hard work, and victories along the way, Hattie learns important lessons in friendship, love and the true nature of home.

3. Critical Analysis

Weaving the affects of WWI, the huge challenges presented to Montana homesteaders in the early twentieth century, and one girl's deep desire to find a place she can finally call her own, Larson creates a moving tale of growing up and finding home.  Viewed from the eyes of 16year old Hattie, Larson introduces readers to a colorful world filled with eccentric and lovable characters as strong and beautiful as the land they live on.  Readers will be startled to find unexpected parallels to many of the same social and personal challenges between Hattie's world and their own modern lives.  From the thrill of girlhood crushes to coping with the insidious poison of ethnic prejudice, Hattie Big Sky shows that while there is much to be changed in the world, we can still find happiness and peace within ourselves as we gain the strength to embrace who we are.

Larson's well researched novel accurately recreates 1917 Montana, capturing the spirit of a young state setting its course toward the future as her people tame the wild landscape.  For those who want to learn more about this fascinating time in US history Larson includes a list of books about Montana and the homestead experience during the early 20th century, author's notes on her inspiration and research for her novel, and a few period recipes for the interested home baker to try.  Readers will weep and rejoice along with Hattie as she discovers strength within herself she did not know she had, under the big Montana sky.

4. Awards and Review Excerpt(s)

*2007 Newbery Honor

*Montana Book Award

*ALA Best Books for Young Adults

*ALA Notables Book

*National Council of Social Studies and Children's Book Council Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

*Starred review in School Library Journal: “Larson's vivid descriptions of the harshness of the work and the extreme climates, and the strength that comes from true friendship, create a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered. Hattie's courage and fortitude are a tribute to them."

*Starred review in Booklist: “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."

*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."

5. Connections

*Hattie sends her best friend off to fight in WWI before she leaves for Montana. While not the focus of the setting or plot, the war plays a major roll throughout the novel. Learn more about WWI. Find out when and why it started, how long it lasted, and how it affected the USA at the time. Make a time line of important dates and people relating to your research.

*Hattie gets a lot of help and finds great solace from the Mueller family. Mr. Mueller is one of many German immigrants who recently came to the United States to find a new home. Find out why so many German immigrants were coming to America at this time, where they tended to settle, and what important contributions they made to American life and culture.

*Hattie and Perille spend a great deal of time quilting together. Learn more about the art of quilting and several popular block patterns common in America during WWI. Pick one that you like or create one that has special meaning to you. Try making your quilt block using fabric, paper, or drawing supplies. This would be a fun project to do with a friend or close family member, just as Hattie and Perille would work together to make their quilts. Share your creation.

*In this book Larson addresses such difficult topics as ethnic prejudice, bullying, and paranoia during times of national conflict. What parallels can you draw from Hattie's experience to your own life? What has changed? What remains the same? Talk about ways to recognize negative behaviors in ourselves or those around us and what we can do to stand for right and be a force for positive change.