Hattie Big Sky [UNABRIDGED AUDIOBOOK] by Kirby Lawson

1. Bibliography
Larson, Kirby. 2007. HATTIE BIG SKY [UNABRIDGED AUDIOBOOK]. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN 0385735952.

2. Plot Summary
     Sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks is an orphan who has been sent to live with one relative to another throughout her whole life. Then, she receives a letter summoning her to prove up on her deceased uncle's homestead claim in Vida, Montana. In Vida, she meets many interesting people who give her a true sense of family that she has never experienced before. Through the experiences that she faces in Vida, Hattie learns a lot about herself and her self-worth.

3. Critical Analysis
     The characters in this book are believable and identifiable to young readers aged 9 and up due to the fact that Hattie is an orphan who is trying to find her place in the world, and finds it through the love and kindness of others. There are many young readers who may be able to relate to these situations.
     The history of World War I (1914-1918) and the American suspicion of anyone of German descent are the historical aspects presented in this story. Larson was careful not to overwhelm the story with details. The events occurring in the book are truly realistic to the time period presented.
     Like many other historical fiction books, the different settings were integral to the story as a whole. The story begins in Iowa with her Uncle Holt and her mean and judgmental Aunt Ivy. Iowa represents a place of loneliness and a feeling of not belonging to Hattie. This is the place where Hattie solemnly refers to herself as "Hattie Here-and-There" due to being constantly shifted around among different relatives. Vida, Montana represents independence, self-worth, love, and a sense of belonging to Hattie.
     The style of this book does not reflect the author's voice and manner due to the fact that it is written in first person point-of-view from the story's protagonist. On the other hand, it does capture the flavor of the time period that it takes place in. This is evident in the speech patterns presented in the book as they clearly represent that era.
     There is a healthy balance of fact and fiction presented in this book without the use of stereotypes. However,there are no sources cited in the audiobook version of this book to support any extra information.


4. Review Excerpts
Booklist-"Writing in figurative language that draws on the 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."
School Library Journal-"Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered."

5. Connections
     Young readers of this book may learn and research the rules of homesteading in a place that they would like to live. Then they may create a chart showing the rules. (Activity courtesy of http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/hattie-big-sky/funactivities.html)

Other great historical fiction books written by Kirby Larson may include:

• Larson, Kirby. THE DEAR AMERICA: THE FENCES BETWEEN US. ISBN 0545224187.
• Larson, Kirby. TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP, AND SURVIVAL. ISBN 0802797547.