16-year-old Hattie has been shuffled around from relative to relative her whole life. She’s been living with her aunt and uncle, but her aunt is not happy having her there. She's said that Hattie needs to stop going to school and start work cleaning a boarding house. Then, out of nowhere Hattie receives a letter from her long-lost uncle giving her the land that he’s trying to farm and pay back to the state (prove up on his claim). Hattie takes this chance and moves to Montana, where she meets the cast of characters who will play important parts in her life. They help her learn what it means to be a homesteader. It's harder than she'd imagined! Hattie is a fast learner, but there are a lot of ins and outs of frontier life. Will she be able to put up the fence that's required of her? Is it possible for Hattie to plant the wheat, bag it, and sell it? What was life like out in the plains during the early 1900s when a war was going on? You’ll have to read this exciting historical fiction book to find out!
I read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson because it was on The Week Jr., US Read Across America Map The Week Jr., US Read Across America Map for the state of Montana. I had already read some of the other books that were nominated for a state, but wanted to check out something new. I'm so glad I picked this book up! I LOVED it! I cared about Hattie and what she was going through. I learned about life at that time. Being a homesteader was not easy! Hattie is someone I would definitely want on my side, and someone who I would stand up for. I would recommend this historical fiction book to anybody in grade 4, and up who is interested in what life was like just a little over 100 years ago in part of our country. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Has anyone else read Hattie Big Sky? Or has anyone read another book by Kirby Larson? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~L
For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.
It was a way of life back then and now homesteading is the latest trend.
ReplyDeleteAlex- It's amazing how things come back around! :)
DeleteI love Kirby Larsen books. Thanks fir tge reminder about this HF one!
ReplyDeleteBeth- I have loved all the books I have read by her! Glad to remind you about this one.
DeleteIt sounds fascinating. And definitely was not an easy life.
ReplyDeleteEC- I really loved it. Definitely not an easy life!
DeleteSadly, haven't read any of Kirby Larson's books yet. Akk how did I miss this one featuring Montana? Maybe the library has a copy. Happy MMGM
ReplyDeleteBrenda- I hope you found a copy. It is a great read. I have loved all of her books that I have read. :)
DeleteI've not read this one but have previously enjoyed several of Larson's Dogs of WWII series. She does an excellent job with historical fiction and I can't wait to read about Hattie based on your insightful review. Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteGreg- I have loved all of her books (that I have read). She does an amazing job with HF. I haven't read the Dogs of WWII series- but I will have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
DeleteI read this book many years ago and its sequel -- one of my favorite prarie book series. Her scenes of Hattie's first winter are etched into my memory. Larson is an excellent author.
ReplyDeletePatricia- I am so glad to hear you loved this book too. I can picture Hattie so easily in my mind! Larson does an amazing job crafting this story.
DeleteI loved this book!
ReplyDeleteYay! :)
DeleteI read this a long time ago and loved it! I am a huge fan of books set in this period, and strong female characters! I also read the sequel, and remember it being kind of sad, at least to me.
ReplyDeleteRebecca- I still need to read the sequel- though I am very curious about it. Loved Hattie! Such a well-written story. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too!
DeleteI read this several years ago. I have read a LOT of Kirby Larson's books and have never been disappointed. She writes wonderful books. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Did you know there is a sequel? Hattie Ever After. You might like it.
ReplyDeleteRosi- Glad to hear you read and enjoyed this one too. I have to get the sequel and read it. I am curious to learn what happens to Hattie next.
DeleteI haven't read this, but it sounds like a solid read.
ReplyDeleteTake special care:) Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
Sandra- It really is!
DeleteI haven't read this or anything by Kirby Larson, but you're making me think I should read this one. I'm glad you loved it.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- She is amazing. I think you will love her books. Hope you get to check this book out soon. :)
DeleteThis sounds great, another book for me even if I am rather over 4th grade! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValerie- Honestly I think this book is amazing for people of any age. It is simply fascinating! If you read it- I hope you enjoy it. :)
DeleteNot a book I know, so thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Jan- Happy to introduce you to it!
Delete