Hattie Big Sky (Hattie Series)

Hattie Big Sky is purportedly a story about a teen having the courage to leave a safe, if unpleasant, home in Iowa to `prove up' (work) her deceased uncle's claim in Montana; hence, the `Big Sky' of the title. The story sounds simple. It takes courage in 1914 or any time for a young girl of only sixteen years to travel to a completely strange country (read, Montana) many miles from anyone or anything she has ever known in order to work really hard on the land by building fences and plowing and planting the land, not to speak of simply living in a very sketchy shack without electricity, running water, a bathroom, or the skills to do much of anything. This is the plot.

What happens to that plot, and the way the story itself becomes secondary to the question, still a burning one in 2007, of prejudice, is so well written into the fabric of the narrative that it is only upon completion of the book that you realize the real intent of the author. The much more important and interesting story of how Hattie begins to see and comprehend the vile nature of prejudice takes over the story entirely. The story of the day-to-day doings of Hattie and her neighbors, from escaping a herd of wild horses to the mundane building of a fence and tending of chickens, to a dance, a Sunday church meeting, and the plowing of the field, all underlie the vitriolic passages of the nature of hatred unbounded by knowledge or understanding. The story of the prejudice rockets along on these doings, overriding them with its life-threatening urgency. The one time Hattie almost goes over to the dark side is so well written that the reader is yelling "No! Don't think that way! You can't believe him! He (Traft) is ignorant and you can't make him understand!"

The author enchants us with a tale of a young girl's courage, and slips in a very mature lesson on evil. Would that more books like this could be written by more authors as knowledgeable as Kirby Larson. She has done her research. She has made of a simple tale of courage in one arena a tale of courage in life, and shown a path of understanding to follow for anyone. She has made this accessible to young people in "Hattie Big Sky". Amazing! I would recommend this as a read for anyone from 10 to 80.

In the novel, Hattie Big Sky, Kirby Larson has written an engaging story of a teenager who through her hard work and gumption, gives readers of all ages plenty to cheer about.

Sixteen-year-old Hattie escapes from an overbearing Aunt(1917 Iowa)to become an independent landowner in eastern Montana. She soon realizes that she must adapt to an almost overwhelming series of challenges. The ways in which she accomplishes this provide captivating reading.

Larson's memorable novel displays her gift for breathing life into history, in this case, life on the prairie during WWI; one wonders if she lived through this herself. Many of the more powerful scenes show Hattie's compassion for her new friends and her use of subtle humor to raise the spirits of her neighbors and her own.

But this book is not just about Hattie. Larson has created a colorful array of two-legged and four-legged characters that bring as much texture to the story as one of Hattie's quilts. Portrayals of strengths and frailties in these people have been painted with the strokes of a master in control of her craft.

Although this is a gripping story of a teenage homesteader's courageous journey, it also brings to light the recurring prejudices of seemingly wise, hard-working men and women from generation to generation.

Hattie's appealing character and the author's unwavering voice will carry the reader from the first page--and linger, long after the last page is turned.

Hattie Big Sky kept my attention until the end. The thing I loved most about this book was that I did not predict the events prior to their unfolding, nor did I predict the ending. I found the idea of a 16 year old pioneer homesteader amazing, even more so since it is based on real events. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to find out more about Hattie's life after the Big Sky.

Hattie Brooks is a spunky, 16-year-old orphan who dreams of finding her place in the world. She journeys to Montana when she inherits an uncle's homestead claim. There, she has one year to fulfill her uncle's obligations--all alone. Hattie soon finds company and guidance in the neighbors who support her as she attempts to build a fence, plant her 40 acres, manage her livestock and even learn to cook.

Alongside Hattie's story, there is another, one that adds incredible depth to the book. This is the story of how a small community responds to the emotions and challenges of war. Hattie and her neighbors make many sacrifices for the soldiers fighting World War I, from not using flour to buying liberty stamps even when they have no money to give. But Hattie also witnesses a darker side of "patriotism" when members of her community begin to discriminate against neighbors of German descent and people judged as opposing the war.

Hattie Big Sky showed me a world I knew nothing about--the life of a homesteader in Montana at the end of World War I--while giving me an opportunity to reflect about today's world. The challenges and questions Hattie faces as she tries to make sense of her neighbors' actions are relevant to us today in our post 9/11 society.

This is a story filled with great characters, interesting historical detail and important opportunities to reflect about what it means to be an American, an independent woman and a good neighbor.

I picked up the book, "Hattie Big Sky", not really knowing what to expect. What I found was a book that is very engaging and thought provoking.

Hattie is a young girl, 16, who thinks of herself as Hattie here and there because of the fact that her parents died when she was very young. As a result of that, she has been forced to live with various different relatives. Now, she has inherited her late uncle's homestead claim, if she choses to prove up on it. Despite protests from her Aunt Ivy, whom she is currently living with, Hattie sets off for Montana to find a home she can call her own.

Ms. Larson's writing style is vivid and colorful. Reading the story, you will feel like you are seeing everything unfold right in front of you through Hattie's eyes. The description of the land, the brutality of the weather conditions, and all the quirky characters in the story are beautifully brought to life through Ms. Larson's descriptive word choices.

I would call this book a must read for anyone looking for a story that is sure to keep you engaged from beginning to end. Plus, many of the points are still relevant in modern times. For instance, you shouldn't judge someone just because of where they were born. You should look at how good of a person they are. In short, I would absolutely recommend this book.

I loved this sweet story about an orphan girl who tries to make a home for herself by homesteading in Montana. I also learned more about the prejudices that Germans living in America faced during WWI.

Based on the cover art and publisher's own recommendation, there seems to be little, at least initially, that separates this book from the cascade of quality historical fiction that has been released for teens and pre-teens over the last few years. But the old adage, admittedly quite corny in this context, holds true: "Never judge a book by its cover". Within the dust jacket claiming suitability for readers "12 and up", lies a story of struggle and perseverance that readers of any age can enjoy. Hattie, the titular main character, is written with such depth and feeling that I found myself swept up in the story to the degree that I finished the book in only two sittings! And while the universal themes in "Hattie Big Sky" are well-placed, the wave of xenophobia that washes Hattie's community towards German settlers during World War I seems particularly relevent in today's world. A story that is both very well written and enjoyable, and also urges us to judge our neighbors by what they do, not where they're from, gets my hearty recommendation any day.

Inspirational, encouraging, appropriate for any age and would keep the interest of almost anyone who CAN read - This book will keep them wanting to know what will happen next.

ANY time ANY of us in this modern age is tempted to whine about ANYTHING - we should call on the lessons learned from Hattie and BUCK UP! I loved this book -

Started reading and couldn't put it down. Kirby Larson had me hooked from page one. I was right there with Hattie the whole way. I wanted to go to Vida, Montana, and help her patch up the claim shack and tend the chickens and maybe milk Violet every now and then. And meet her neighbors, play chess with Rooster Jim, have one of Perilee's strudels. Even as grim and hard as it must have been to "prove up" a homestead claim, Ms. Larson captured the hope and kindness and neighborliness that was also there--as well as how patriotism can push some beyond tbe bounds of common sense. Hattie Big Sky is a worthwhile read, not only for the story which is based on a real Hattie and for a glimspe of WWI times at home and for the things to discuss, but also because Hattie will be a friend forever.

Hattie and her story wrapped me up in a delightful spell. I admired her tenacity, and was in awe of the tough yet tender hearts of the pioneers as they tried to establish their claims. I'm eager to read the sequel!

I love this book. The imagery is wonderful. Every time I read it I feel like I'm right there with Hattie and the rest of the characters. Even though I'm an adult, I keep turning to this every time I need something to read. It's neck and neck as my favorite book of all time along with Katherine Patterson's Jacob Have I Loved.

I brought Kirby Larson's newest book, Hattie Big Sky, along for the ride when I recently flew across the country. I also brought along bills to be paid, my laptop so I could get some work done and a couple of other books in case Hattie didn't pull me in. Well, my bills still need to be paid and my laptop never even got opened. I started reading Hattie at take off and she kept me riveted the entire flight. I found all the characters to be wonderfully full, righ and unique. The plot moved along at an even pace, with great moments of tension and even tears.

Hats off to Kirby Larson, and thanks for giving us a book that we can't put down.

I love historical fiction, and this is one of the best books I have read in a while. I couldn't put it down and felt connected with the characters. It is about a simple 16-year-old girl who has moved around from relative to relative ever since her parents died. Then one day she gets a letter with her Uncle's will that he left her his claim in Montana. Hattie goes along with the journey and meets very exciting people along the way , dealing with troubles of proving up her claim and being friends with a German in WWI. This is a great book and anyone who loves historical fiction will love this book.

A really sweet story with twists and turns. The story is told through the eyes of an independent 16 year old girl. It made me appreciate homesteaders, Montana, and what Americans faced during WWI. Even though it will make you laugh AND cry, there is an ending of hope. I bought 2 more copies to give as gifts to friends who enjoy historical fiction. Good for all ages above 12 years.

I laughed, cried, and lived an important history lesson. I put down the book pondering all that had taken place and wanting more. Bravo Kirby Larson. This book will be added to my recommended reading list for my students.

After glancing through all the glowing reviews about Hattie Big Sky, I feel I need to add something. I, too, really enjoyed this book. I thought it was optimistic, sweet, and inspiring while still being grounded in realism. However, my positive feelings about the book dipped slightly when I read the blurb at the end about how the book was based on the author's great-grandmother. That's really great but--how do I say this without spoiling the plot--Larson's great-grandmother's homesteading experience ended differently than Hattie's. Which is fine, Larson has her artistic license, but I think she does her great-grandmother a disservice. I don't think I can say more without a spoiler alert. Although I recommend the book, I felt disapointed with the novel after I knew the real story.

It's Hattie's heart that captivated me. Despite being orphaned and rejected at a young age she developed the capacity to love -- to love with grace and grit.

Having Hattie Inez Brooks as my friend is a blessing. It's a blessing for which I am and will remain forever grateful to Kirby Larson.

Kirby Larson does a wonderful job at taking her readers into Hattie's world. The characters are strong and the setting is breathtaking. Events and issues during WWI are skillfully woven into the story, which makes Hattie's story believable and compelling.

In a world of fast food young adult novels, Hattie Big Sky is like Thanksgiving dinner. This book is well worth reading!

For upper elementary school children who are studying American history this gives a vivid picture of what Montana was like for homesteaders. The story is captivating yet eye opening. It is easy to forget the attitudes of early settlers toward Germans during WWI. The vocaulary is good, some new words, yet not too many.

I am likewise charmed, engaged and finding myself highly emotional with this glorious historical tale, laid out and finely layered like the handmade quilts Hattie learns to stitch.

But don't believe us rank amateurs. Believe the American Library Association! They gave Hattie Big Sky one of just three of the 2007 Newbery Honor book titles for most outstanding contribution to children's literature. 'Nuff said.

I am likewise charmed, engaged and finding myself highly emotional with this glorious historical tale, laid out and finely layered like the handmade quilts Hattie learns to stitch.

But don't believe us rank amateurs. Believe the American Library Association! They gave Hattie Big Sky one of just three of the 2007 Newbery Honor book titles for most outstanding contribution to children's literature. 'Nuff said.

This is about 16-year-old Hattie Brooks - she homesteads in Montana in 1918 - it's funny, insightful, with a strong female character - based on a true story. Won a Newbery Honor in 2006. I'm a librarian and writer and recommend it highly.

Ostensibly about homesteading during World War I, this is actually about the Iraq war, as the author admits in the epilogue. If only Americans didn't hate people who come from foreign countries so much, if only we were not so jingoistic, if only our government didn't fill us with patriotic propaganda to convince us to go fight pointless wars, if only our local leaders didn't employ fascist tactics to force us to support those wars. If only, if only - America would be universally loved, right? At least the Newbery committee thinks so. Given the number of prizewinning books pushing this same theme, it continually amazes me that there are still some American youth willing to enlist. There are some pretty scenes here about homesteading in the far west, but the backbreaking nature of the work doesn't come through at all, not surprising given that the author states in her bio that she spends her free time drinking lattes. And as for World War I? We learn nothing other than that it was a senseless waste. Parents, when your child is assigned this book in school, read it first, Have a discussion with your child about the actual causes of World War I. Mention that the United States got involved in the war only after the Germans invaded Belgium and then France, and after they sank U.S. merchant ships as well as passenger ships with a large loss of American lives. Have your child go through the book and underline all the passages where the author is trying to manipulate him. This will serve a useful pedagogic purpose, albeit not one that the Newbery committee intends: an object lesson in how to be a serious reader and a serious student of history, and how to resist mind-control from the children's literature mandarins.