A review by crystal_reading
The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
4.0
Review copy: ARC from publisher
*** I am revising this to add Debbie Reese's post: http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-native-perspective-of-laura-amy.html She raised valid points about seriously problematic issues with this book.
Laura Amy Schlitz had me from the first chapter. Young Joan Skraggs wants more from her life than the drudgery of farm work. Her father and brothers seem to see her as a worker rather than a person. Her father is particularly horrible in this way. He doesn't want her reading because that would be a waste of time. She can no longer go to school and he doesn't want her former teacher encouraging her to learn or do anything to change her lot in life. He wants her to cook, clean and do what he says for the rest of her life.
Joan's mother had always planned more for her though. After her mother died, Joan has trouble finding a way to get beyond the farm. When her father punishes her harshly for standing up for herself, she finally figures out another path.
I was cheering for Joan the whole way. She made many mistakes, but never gives up.
Schlitz kept a perfect balance of tension throughout the book. Just enough to keep readers flipping pages.
I also loved the inclusion of religious discussion. Joan is Catholic and comes into contact with a Jewish family. This could have been a surface detail, but Joan questions and ponders what she believes and why. This presents a fascinating glimpse into two distinct faith backgrounds.
This will be a great book for fans of historical fiction. It really reminded me of Hattie Big Sky. Hattie and Joan have huge challenges, but they're strong, intelligent young women that go after what they want.
*** I am revising this to add Debbie Reese's post: http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-native-perspective-of-laura-amy.html She raised valid points about seriously problematic issues with this book.
Laura Amy Schlitz had me from the first chapter. Young Joan Skraggs wants more from her life than the drudgery of farm work. Her father and brothers seem to see her as a worker rather than a person. Her father is particularly horrible in this way. He doesn't want her reading because that would be a waste of time. She can no longer go to school and he doesn't want her former teacher encouraging her to learn or do anything to change her lot in life. He wants her to cook, clean and do what he says for the rest of her life.
Joan's mother had always planned more for her though. After her mother died, Joan has trouble finding a way to get beyond the farm. When her father punishes her harshly for standing up for herself, she finally figures out another path.
I was cheering for Joan the whole way. She made many mistakes, but never gives up.
Schlitz kept a perfect balance of tension throughout the book. Just enough to keep readers flipping pages.
I also loved the inclusion of religious discussion. Joan is Catholic and comes into contact with a Jewish family. This could have been a surface detail, but Joan questions and ponders what she believes and why. This presents a fascinating glimpse into two distinct faith backgrounds.
This will be a great book for fans of historical fiction. It really reminded me of Hattie Big Sky. Hattie and Joan have huge challenges, but they're strong, intelligent young women that go after what they want.