Hattie Big Sky

By: Kirby Larson

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER

A classic YA novel about a teenage girl searching for a sense of home and family that celebrates the true spirit of independence on the American frontier.

For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle’s homestead claim.

Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove. Her quest to make a home is championed by new neighbors Perilee Mueller, her German husband, and their children. For the first time in her life, Hattie feels part of a family, finding the strength to stand up against Traft Martin’s schemes to buy her out and against increasing pressure to be a “loyal” American at a time when anything—or anyone—German is suspect. Despite daily trials, Hattie continues to work her uncle’s claim until an unforeseen tragedy causes her to search her soul for the real meaning of home.

This young pioneer's story is lovingly stitched together from Kirby Larson’s own family history and the sights, sounds, and scents of homesteading life.©2007 Kirby Larson; (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

AN AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK
A BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE
NAMED TO 13 STATE AWARD LISTS

★“Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.”–School Library Journal, starred review

"A marvelous story about courage, loyalty, perseverance, and the meaning of home." --Newbery Award-Winning Author Karen Cushman

Engaging story, character development, and vivid descriptions

I highly recommend this book! My children can have a enjoyed it greatly. So many great topics of discussion were brought up through listening to this story together.

I love the christianity

I loved that she was a Christian. And she was a good neighbor and friend to the people.

Surprisingly excellent!

I am a librarian for a junior high school in Mesa, AZ. A colleague recommended this title to me and although historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, I trusted his opinion. I fell in love with Hattie and her determination and perseverance! The tale is full of lively characters and events. I could really feel what life was life for homesteaders in Montana. I like that it didn't have a predictable ending after I got over wanting one, Tim! I highly recommend this book to teens and adults alike.

Enjoyed it So Much!

Loved the story and didn’t have to listen to vulgarity or sex, in today’s world that is refreshing.

wonderful

What a great book loved every minute of it. thank you for sharing it with us.