Lion’s Lair

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

This book was listed as one of the Newbery honor books. Of course I had to order it and see for myself what makes a winner.  I also declare it a winner of Mrs. M’s awards. 

A young girl, orphaned and shifted from family member to family member, inherits a homesteading claim from an uncle in
Montana.  The book covers her first year in
Montana,  in which she has to “prove” herself to finally get the claim.  This would be difficult for a seasoned farmer, but a 15 year old girl sets her goal and works hard to prove herself.  Maintaining livestock, putting in a fence, writing for a newspaper back in
Iowa, and finding what is important in life keep Hattie focused on her values.  Understanding people is where Hattie has the greatest growth. 

This is a story of courage and hard work.  Will our young people of 2007, be able to connect with a story that deals with manual labor and a love of reading, with dances and picnics and no mp3 players or video games?  The story line could provide some topics for conversations that may go deeper than the surface.  I am anxious to hear from someone under 16 who read the story and is willing to share some thoughts.