Hattie Big Sky
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Larson, Kirby. 2006. Hattie Big Sky. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780440239413
B. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kirby Larson has written a wonderful historical novel that will capture the attention of its reader. Sixteen year old protagonist, Hattie Inez Brooks, has been an orphan since she can remember. While living with her Aunt Ivy and Uncle Holt, she receives a letter from her Uncle Chester who has passed away leaving her with his land claim and its contents. When she arrives in Montana she has 10 months to cultivate 40 acres and set 480 rods of fence in order to keep the claim she inherited. The plot follows a historical sequence of events. The actions of Hattie are not romanticized. Instead the plot reveals the difficulties of a homesteaders life.
The setting takes place in rural Montana. Hattie, a homesteader, works in hard conditions in effort to keep the land. In a letter to Uncle Holt she states: “You asked me to tell you more about my everyday doings. Such a life of glamour, you cannot imagine!” (p. 49) She compares her life to the story of David and Goliath. Hoping her ending will be as victorious. The winters are extremely cold, with blizzards and below freezing temperatures. Spring brings about mud so thick her books get stuck in the mud. Summers are harsh and the heat produces drought and fires. Hattie lives in an era of transition. Some rich people have vehicles but most still ride horses such as Hattie. Some have indoor plumbing but living so far out in the country Hattie has to rely on her outhouse. “I’d gotten awfully spoiled at Aunt Ivy and Uncle Holt’s with their indoor plumbing. One more thing to get used to in Montana.” (p.44)
Larson developed a female character with grit and strength. She is far from perfect and admits that her, “pridefulness was a constant source of sorrow and agitation for Aunt Ivy. She’d worn out many a switch trying to cure me of it.” (p.11) She admits to herself that life is tough and she will, “have to rely on that painful teacher, Experience, until I get my homestead legs.” (p. 14) Hattie has a great sense of humor. She is able to laugh at herself as readers will discover reading the letters she pens to her school pal who is fighting in the war. “Evocative yet straightforward language ably depicts Hattie's joys and struggles.” (Horn Book 2007) Hattie, an orphan, rises above her challenges and finds inner strength. She also relays the message to young adults that family is more than just DNA. Her family were the friends who embraced her, taught her, loved her, and supported her through hard times.
Two central themes stand out: frontier life and patriotism. While the story relates the hardships of frontier life and how Hattie "proved up" to the challenge, it also tells of World War I bigotry and discrimination toward German Americans (SLJ 2006). Hattie is pressured to “Join the Montana Loyalty League…it hunts home huns, checks class conflicts, promotes pure patriotism.” (p. 112) Speaking of the war,“This evil is so big. The fight has spread far beyond the battlefield. (p. 217) Pressures to be a "loyal" American complicate her situation after she befriends a German couple. (Horn Book 2007) Despite the serious pressures placed on her she remains friends with Karl and Perilee.
At the end of the book the author notes how this novel came to fruition. She also states parallels of 1918 to the present. Relating how people have reacted to the war of Iraq and how they reacted during WWI. Larson goes on to offer recipes and further suggested readings if desired.
Reading this novel was enlightening. To hear about such harsh conditions and the grit it took to work the land one will marvel at those who made it. Although Hattie does not accomplish what she set out to do, the reader understands that nature wrote Hattie’s unfortunate outcome. “I felt as if I was at a funeral. And in a way it was. A funeral for a dream. How could months of work be destroyed in a few minutes?” (p.241) Young adults will come to see that life is challenging. We must all face difficult circumstances at some point in our lives. The choices we make will ultimately write out the chapters of our lives. Hattie rises from her challenges stronger and declares, “One thing I’d left behind: Hattie here –and –there, I want’ going to miss her. Not one bit.’ (p. 283) Readers will be find encouragement from Hattie’s perseverance to face their situations head on.
After reading this novel I felt like I knew more about the life of those who forged forward and were the pioneers of the west. What a struggle they faced daily due to a lack of conveniences we know today. I was surprised to learn of the similarities in fears Americans had in 1918 to the fears we have today. German Americans were watched with caution and fear since the country was fighting a war with Germany. Today people of Muslim faith or Arab American are treated with suspicions due to our war with the Taliban. I had no idea censors scanned mail sent between the soldiers and civilians. I was also surprised to learn how Day Light Savings came to be. “President Wilson says it will save millions of tons of coal and thus help the war effort.” (p.92) How fascinating.
C. REVIEW EXCEPTS
Newbery Honor Book
Horn Book: Evocative yet straightforward language ably depicts Hattie's joys and struggles. Recipes and an author's note are included.
Booklist: Writing in figurative language that draws on 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 relates a heartwarming yet poignant story about homesteading in early-20th-century Montana. Larson's vivid descriptions of the harshness of the work and the extreme climates, and the strength that comes from true friendship, create a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered. Hattie's courage and fortitude are a tribute to them
Kirkus Review: Based on a bit of Larson's family history, this is not so much a happily-ever-after story as a next-year-will-be-better tale, with Hattie's new-found definition of home. This fine offering may well inspire readers to find out more about their own family histories.
D. CONNECTIONS
*Write a poem that depicts nature as told by Hattie in Montana.
* What similarities can you find between how Germans were treated in this book during WWI and how we treated Arab Americans after 9/11.
*What lessons can be learned from Hattie?
*Research your family history.
Visit Kirby Larson’s Website at: http://www.kirbylarson.com/
Check out this other work by Kirby Larson:
Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. 2008. ISBN: 9780802797544
Copper Sun
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Draper, Sharon. 2006. Copper Sun. New York, NY: Antheneum Books. ISBN: 9780689821813
B. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sharon Draper wrote a novel that will tear at the heart. Copper Sun unmistakably will make the reader hurt, scream at the injustice, and ache for those who suffered so. It is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of slavery with no bars held. It vividly describes the gruesome and atrocious injustices of slavery. Fifteen year old Amari is stolen from her village, shipped overseas to America, and sold to the highest bidder.
The setting first takes place in Amari’s beloved village Ziavi in Africa. She describes the rusty brown dirt, sweet smell of mango trees, thatched roof homes, and of villagers soaking up the wonderful sunshine. Then the setting takes a grave turn as “pale, unhealthy looking men who carried large bundles and unusual-looking sticks” marched into their village. (p.7) “The story begins in Amari's Ashanti village, but the idyllic scene explodes in bloodshed when slavers arrive and murder her family.” (Booklist 2006) The setting is then moved to a holding cell, the harsh sea, and finally to their final destination, Charles Town, South Carolina, in America. The story will then take place on a plantation where slaves are bought and sold with no regard for life.
Draper’s theme and characterization are woven together throughout the book. The theme is one of perseverance and her character Amari is one that lives out this determination to preserve. Draper tells the story of slavery with realistic gruesome detail. She also describes the resilience of mankind. The novel exemplifies that those who survived were strong, courageous, and admirable people. Amari’s journey was as one who must live. “You know, certain people are chosen to survive. I don’t know why but you are one of those who must remember the past and tell those yet unborn. You must live.” (p.37) There are many times that Amari will wish she could fly away or die but yet throughout the novel she continues to fight and live. A woman who befriends her in the holding cell in Africa tells her, “Find beauty wherever you can, child. It will keep you alive.” (p.64) The theme of perseverance continues as Draper introduces an indentured white servant into the life of Amari. Polly, who has not suffered a tinge of what Amari has, does understand difficulties as well. She has learned that, “tears fixed nothing. As far as she was concerned crying showed weakness and was simply a waste of time.” (p.80) Teenie, a slave on the plantation Amari lives on declares, “Everybody got hard times at one time or t’other.” (p.101) Amari continues to find inner strength and reminds herself, “she must concentrate not on what was lost, but on what must be found.” (p. 225) “Balanced between the overwhelmingly brutal facts of slavery and Amari's ferocious survivor's spirit, will leave readers breathless, even as they consider the story's larger questions about the infinite costs of slavery and how to reconcile history.” (Booklist)
I recommend this novel with caution. “The narrative wears its research heavily. Every bad thing that befell an African slave either happens to or is witnessed by Amari.” (Publishers Weekly) The novel can feel at times so burdened with atrocities that it is difficult to keep reading. I recommend this novel be read as a class where young adults can work through the difficulties and have questions answered. “It is a great story that will increase students' knowledge of slavery and indentured servitude and its impact on the young people of that time period.” (LMC) Amari’s life will challenge young adults who constantly feel that there life is “terrible.” They will learn from Amari that things can definably be worse but that in the midst of darkness there is light. You can find beauty if you chose to see it.
At the end of the novel the author offers an afterward that states that although this novel is a work of fiction the story is based on facts about slavery. The author also offers resources such as many website addresses and a list of books for further research on this subject. I have seen movies about slavery but not one gave me the realistic view that this novel provided in words. Draper vividly describes the pain in such a way that enlightens the heaviness of this painful time in history. Readers will come away with heavy lessons about the toll slavery played in the life of slaves.
C. REVIEW EXCEPTS
Coretta Scott King Award Winner
Booklist: Balanced between the overwhelmingly brutal facts of slavery and Amari's ferocious survivor's spirit, will leave readers breathless, even as they consider the story's larger questions about the infinite costs of slavery and how to reconcile history. A moving author's note discusses the real places and events on which the story is based.
Horn Book: Draper succeeds in dramatizing the slave experience.
School Library Journal: This action-packed, multifaceted, character-rich story describes the shocking realities of the slave trade and plantation life while portraying the perseverance, resourcefulness, and triumph of the human spirit.
Kirkus Review: poignant and harrowing, this narrative of early America alternates between the voices of enslaved Amari and indentured servant Polly, building a believable interracial friendship centered on the common goal of freedom.
Library Media Connection: This character-rich, moving story of two young women facing overwhelming odds will catch the interest of many readers who have a love of history. It is a great story that will increase students' knowledge of slavery and indentured servitude and its impact on the young people of that time period. Highly Recommended.
D. CONNECTIONS
*What does Afi mean when she tells Amari, “You know, certain people are chosen to survive”(p.37)
*Does slavery exist today? Back it up your answer with research.
*Is it possible to find light among dark?
*Write a poem that describes your feelings about slavery.
Visit Sharon Draper’s Website at: http://sharondraper.com/books.asp
*Other novels by Sharon Draper:
Just Another Hero. 2009. ISBN: 9781416907008
November Blues. 2009. ISBN: 9781416906995
The Battle of Jericho. 2006. ISBN: 9780689842337
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN: 9780786808328
B. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kadir Nelson has beautifully accomplished writing the history of Negro League Baseball in such a smooth readable manner. As the unnamed narrator accounts the story you feel as you are in a living room hearing the tales of the good ole days. “Nelson offers a readable account that is infused with an air of nostalgic oral history.” (SLJ 2008) The narrator speaks to the reader directly saying, “Now let me tell you something or did you know…” (p.5 &51) Young Adults will enjoy hearing the narrator speak directly to them.
Nelson uses descriptive language to celebrate the history of Negro League Baseball. “Negro baseball was fast! Flashy! Daring! Sometimes it was even funny. But always very exciting to watch.” (p. 17) Nelson produced high quality writing that is age appropriate for the reader. The book reads smoothly and kids of all ages will enjoy his tone of writing. "The back roads of those little towns were so bumpy they’d have us bouncing around the bus like popcorn on a hot stove.” (p. 23) In the book young adults will learn about segregation black players suffered trying to enter restaurants, hotels, and bathrooms. “It’s a hurtful thing when you’re starving and have a pocket full of money but can’t find a place to eat because they ‘don’t serve Negroes.’ ” (p. 24) "The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues, celebrates triumphing on one’s own terms and embracing adversity, even as it clearly shows the “us” and “them” mentality bred by segregation." (Booklist) Readers will also come away from the book understanding the strength, commitment, dedication, and love the players had for the game. “We loved the game so much we just looked past everything else. We were ball players. There was nothing we would have rather spent our time doing.” (p. 29)
Nelson cleverly formatted the book into innings instead of chapters. Each chapter provides enlightening and informative information from his research. "Nelson's extensive research (including interviews with former players) yields loads of attention-grabbing details: how much money players made; where, when, and how often." (Horn Book) I was amazed to learn how there were no rules to baseball at first, and how shin guards, and face masks came to be out of necessity! “Too many times he (Bud Fowler) was forced to leave the field on crutches…good came out of it. His scarred shins gave him the idea to attach wooden staves from a barrel to his legs for protection.” (p.2) Hence, the first shin guard was born!
As wonderful as the writing is in this book, the art is even more incredible! “His grand slam, though, is the art: Nelson's oil paintings have a steely dignity, and his from-the-ground perspectives make the players look larger than life.” (Horn Book) It’s amazing to visually see the strength, grit, determination, and camaraderie each illustration displays. “Nelson's muscular paintings serve as the true draw. His larger-than-life players have oversized hands, elongated bodies and near-impossible athleticism. Their lined faces suggest the seriousness with which they took their sport and the circumstances under which they were made to play it.” (Publishers Weekly) This book is incredible and begs to be read by all. “Along with being absolutely riveted by the art, readers will come away with a good picture of the Negro Leaguers' distinctive style of play, as well as an idea of how their excellence challenged the racial attitudes of both their sport and their times.” (Kirkus Review)
Readers of all ages will enjoy this celebrated book. It is a tribute to all those who forged forward to unleash the spirit of the game. “Unfortunately, most of them will never receive the recognition they deserve.” (p. 51) I believe Nelson has taken the first important step of addressing this gap in history and telling others the true story of how many courageous men stepped up to the plate and played such as Jackie Robinson. “He received death threats… Pitchers threw at him, pushed him…he didn’t say anything because he knew it would ruin the chances of any other Negro playing in the majors.” (p. 74) These men deserve to be remembered and Nelson has done a superb job of relighting their legacies. "One need not be a baseball fan to enjoy this book, because it's more than a sports story. It's a story of real people enduring more than many of us can imagine, playing a game they love." (LMC 2008)
The book offers supportive evidence of how this book and the research were established. Nelson offers a list of Negro Leaguers, a bibliography, filmography, endnotes, and an index for readers to access information quickly and effectively. “It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.” (SLJ)
C. REVIEW EXCEPTS
Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Booklist: The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves.
Horn Book: Imagine listening to baseball legends Willie Mays and Ernie Banks swapping stories about their Negro League days as they sit in the stands, munching on peanuts and watching Ken Griffey Jr. launch a curve ball into the stratosphere. That kind of easygoing, conversational storytelling is exactly what Kadir Nelson achieves in this pitch-perfect history of Negro League baseball.
Kirkus Review: Nelson continues to top himself with each new book. Here, working solo for the first time, he pays tribute to the hardy African-American players of baseball's first century with a reminiscence written in a collective voice.
Publishers Weekly: In his first outing as author as well as illustrator, Nelson delivers a history of the Negro Leagues in a sumptuous volume that no baseball fan should be without.
D. CONNECTIONS
*What does “We Are The Ship-All Else The Sea” mean?
*Write a biopoems for one famous black player named in this book.
*How did rules change the game of baseball?
To learn more about Kadir Nelson and his work check out his website at: http://www.kadirnelson.com/
Other biographies Kadir Nelson has illustrated:
Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln. 2008. ISBN: 9781423104087
Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson. 2009. ISBN: 9780545052511
Coretta Scott. 2009. ISBN: 9780061253645
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