Title:Hattie Big Sky
Author:Kirby Larson
Hattie has been nicknamed Hattie Here and There for a very good reason. Since her parents died when she was a little girl, she has been shifted from one relative to another. She is living with Uncle Holt when she learns that she has inherited 320 acres of Montana land from her Uncle Chester Wright. She has always wanted a place that she could call home. So she decides to stake her claim to the land. Karl and Perilee Mueller offer to help her anyway they can. They become neighbors but more importantly very good friends to her.
Hattie has inherited more than just land as she finds out when she moves to Vida, Montana. It seems that Chester left her , his chess buddy Rooster Jim, his cow Violet, Plug the horse, debts and land that has not been plowed ever. Hattie is at the young age of 16 when she comes there. There is a neighbor Traft Martin who wants nothing more than Hattie to fail so he can claim her property. He even tries some underhanded tricks to try and discourage her from achieving her goal.
The story is set in the time period of the World War I. This book is an excellent book of historical fiction. It talks of the trials of homesteaders, War Bonds and requirements of younger men heading off to fight a war against the Germans. The characters in this book are very interesting and its a learning experience each step of the way. Hattie has a childhood chum named Charlie who she writes to throughout the book and tells him of all her experiences. This is a terrific book for ages 9-12 who have an interest in adventure, history and homesteading. I loved this book and I'm sure you would too. Come visit Vida, Montana during this important time in American history!
