Module 6: Hattie Big Sky

Book Summary: Hattie has been shuffled around from family member to family member. She hardly knows her current relatives. When she receives a letter from her late uncle, sent by his wishes upon his death, she finds out that she has inherited all his land in Montana. Without a second thought, she decides to go prove up on her uncle's land. The Mueller's next door and other townsfolk around the small town of Vida, Montana, become her family as she works to prove on the claim.  Blizzards, failing crops, grumpy farm animals, and a house that is falling apart all make the job that much harder. Meanwhile, Hattie still writes to her childhood friend, Charlie, who is fighting in the war overseas.  A neighbor, with property close to hers, tries to take her land at various points, but Hattie is determined to make good on her claim.

APA Reference of Book:

Larson, K. (2006). Hattie big sky. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

Impressions: This is ultimately a story about finding "home".  The story also depicts the hardships of homesteading and proving up on claims on land.  The descriptions of the hard work involved were incredibly visceral and my heart fell each time Hattie encountered another tragedy or issue. Her outlook, however, is incredibly positive regardless and the Muellers, a family next door, become essential to the plot. The mother, Perilee, and her German husband are ostracized. It was surprising to me, as a reader, that anti-German opinion infiltrated small towns even when hardworking people, regardless of national origin, were proving up on their claims. While this story is considered historical fiction, there are some topics that are still pertinent for contemporary readers including bullying and tragedy. Hattie navigates these issues seemingly with ease, and readers get a glimpse at how her values influence the outcomes. 

Professional Review: “Several hardships and even a tragedy strike Hattie, but she begins to realize that she doesn't need the land itself. It is friends who help her through the tough times and give her hope. Readers who grew up on Laura Ingalls Wilder will love HATTIE BIG SKY, though Hattie also will draw new fans to this inspiring, powerful tale” (Alessio, 2006, http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/hattie-big-sky).

Alessio, A. (2006, September 26). [Review of the book Hattie big sky, by K. Larson] Retrieved from http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/hattie-big-sky

Library Uses: I imagine this story would serve well in Reader's Advisory. Teens that read Caddie Woodlawn or Laura Ingalls Wilder books would enjoy this story. This title would also be a good jumping off point for historical research: concerning homesteading in the Montana territory and opinions about Germans during World War I in the United States.