Hattie Big Sky posted by Taylor Damrow

Not having parents or a real home growing up can be quit traumatic for a child. Hattie Brooks orphaned as a young child endures exactly just this throughout her childhood, living with her aunt and uncle in Iowa. Hattie’s uncle is kind to her, but her aunt makes living unbearable. She feels as if she needs to find herself and the real meaning of home and family. As a frustrated teenager, Hattie makes one of the biggest decisions in her life, to move onto her inherited homestead in Montana.


Hattie, at only the age of 16, she leaves her life in Iowa and her crush Charlie. Hattie is very excited about her new life as a homesteader and the adventures it will bring. Unfortunately Hattie soon discovers many of the difficult struggles she must endure. Hattie soon finds out that the great pressure in having to cultivate the land as well as constructing large amounts of fence for the homestead done within a year’s time. She braves the unpredictable and dangerous weather, as well as an ill-tempered cow and incapable hand at cooking.

Hattie and Charlie frequently write to one another while he is in France serving in the army. Hattie also writes some newspaper articles for a local newspaper portraying her hardships, while illustrating her lively personality. During Hattie’s struggles, she is supported by friendly German neighbors, but also feels the pressure to stay as a loyal American. Some local settlers are unkind to Hattie’s German friends, leaving her standing alone in supporting them and showing her true devotion to the friendship. These obstacles allow Hattie to find the real meaning of friendship, love, and most importantly her home.

Kirby Larson portrays the real meaning of home through a young girl who had never experienced this as a child. Today children that are orphaned like Hattie or whatever the circumstances, can relate to the basis of this plot. Hattie Big Sky can give hope to children, observing that home can be found throughout life in many unique ways. This book clearly demonstrating that hard work can pay off only if an individual overcomes and works through the struggles placed in front of them in life.