Hattie Big Sky

Author: Kirby Larson

Release Date: September 26th, 2006

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers 

Genre(s): Middle grade, Historical
Pages: 289 pages

*1st book of a series*

~Spoilers are hidden! Just highlight the page to see them:)~

Summary (Goodreads):

Alone in the world, teen-aged Hattie is driven to prove up on her uncle's homesteading claim.
For years, sixteen-year-old Hattie's been shuttled between relatives. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she courageously leaves Iowa to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim near Vida, Montana. With a stubborn stick-to-itiveness, Hattie faces frost, drought and blizzards. Despite many hardships, Hattie forges ahead, sharing her adventures with her friends--especially Charlie, fighting in France--through letters and articles for her hometown paper.

Her backbreaking quest for a home is lightened by her neighbors, the Muellers. But she feels threatened by pressure to be a "Loyal" American, forbidding friendships with folks of German descent. Despite everything, Hattie's determined to stay until a tragedy causes her to discover the true meaning of home.

Review:

There are few books that have made me cry . In fact only two books had managed to accomplish that deed. Until Hattie Big Sky came along.

Hattie Big Sky is a beautiful book about friendship, surviving, hope, and love. I absolutely love it! Her adventures and harsh, but truthful, ending left me feeling nostalgic for the countryside. 

I love love Hattie! She's kind of sassy but really kind hearted and super smart. Her interactions with the kids are so sweet, and it's really heartwarming to see how much she cares for them.

I love all the neighbors, from Rooster Jim to Leafie. The strength they give to Hattie and the bonds she forms with them is really sweet. And yes, I kind of like Traft Martin too. Even if he is a bit of a scoundral. After all, he is human too. 

The kids of Perilee are so cute. I love Magpie Mattie, Courageous Chase, and Little Fern.  It's absolutely heartbreaking when Mattie dies; be prepared for a salty waterfall of tears. 

The best thing I love about this book, and the reason it merits that 5, is because it's heart driven, not plot driven. There isn't really a big plot, more of like Hattie's adventures in Montana and the lessons she learns through Experience and love. Heart driven books are the best because they're the most touching and the most meaningful, in my opinion.

I totally recommend this book. It really doesn't matter whether you're a teen or an adult or a small kid; I guarantee you, this story will touch your heart.

Thanks for reading~!

Rating: 5 out of 5