Hattie Big Sky
by Kirby Larson
Turtleback Books 2008
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-reliance
- community
- prejudice and tolerance
- frontier life
- female empowerment
- hope and resilience
- coming of age
About this book
Sixteen-year-old Hattie leaves Iowa to claim her late uncle’s homestead in Montana during World War I. Alone but determined, she learns to fence, farm, and face brutal weather while writing letters and newspaper pieces about her progress. As suspicions toward her German American neighbors grow, Hattie must decide what kind of community—and person—she wants to be. Readers who enjoy strong heroines, frontier challenges, and heartfelt historical stories will be drawn in.
Setting: a Montana homestead during World War I (1917–1918)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hattie Big Sky right for my child?
Yes — Hattie Big Sky is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include perseverance, self-reliance, community.
How long does it take to read Hattie Big Sky?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Hattie Big Sky takes around 8.0h to finish. The book has 84,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hattie Big Sky have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hattie Big Sky has an AR quiz available, worth 11 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hattie Big Sky?
Hattie Big Sky has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.