Hattie Big Sky

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

Book 9 of 25 for the Support Your Local Library Challenge

Book 18 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge

Book 3 of 12 for the 2009 YA Challenge

Awards: Newbery Honor; SLJ Best Book; Booklist Editors' Choice; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Notable/Best Books 

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hattie Inez Brooks is an orphan who moves to Montana alone when she is 16 to take over the homestead her uncle had left for her.  In less than one year she must build a fence, plant wheat and flax, and raise enough money to claim the land as her own.  Her small community becomes her family as they work together despite the harsh Montana land.  The story is told during WW1 and the author does a great job showing how the war would have impacted this rural area.

My only gripes about this book are really in the editing.  At the beginning Hattie's uncle's name was Chester Wright, her mother's brother (and Hattie supposedly had the backbone of her mother).  But then later on, his named turned into Chester Brooks, making him a paternal relative.  There were a couple of little things like that, but it wasn't enough to ruin a truly great story.

I found both Hattie and her story compelling and sweet.  It's a story of determination, loyalty and friendship.   If you like pioneer stories like These is My Words, you'll probably like this one too.  Recommended for age 12 on up.

Also reviewed by:

• Maw Books Blog
• Menasha Public Library
• Bloggin' 'bout Books
• Through the Looking Glass
• Deliciously Clean Reads
• A Comfy Chair and a Good Book
• The Well-Read Child
• Bookworm Burrow
• Gamila's Review
• Becky's Book Reviews