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The Hired Girl

 

(Picture from Goodreads.com)

1.       Bibliography

Schlitz, Laura Amy. 2015. THE HIRED GIRL. Berryville, VA: Candlewick. ISBN 978-0-7636-7818-0

2.       Plot Summary
Fourteen-year-old Joan Skraggs dreams of a better life, with love and purpose, like the heroines in the novels she pours over time and time again. She is stuck living with her father and brothers, who see her as nothing more than a maid. After a devastating fight with her father when he burns all her books, she runs away to be a hired girl. Landing herself in a Jewish household, Joan changes her name, her ways, and her opinion of the world through a series of events. This coming of age story takes readers into the life of the average working girl as she figures out feminism, housework, religion, literature, human nature, and love.

3.       Critical Analysis

4.       Awards/ Reviews

·       Winner of the 2016 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

·       A 2016 Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Award Winner

·       Winner of the 2016 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature

The beauty of this novel is that it dares to go beyond the school-is-cruel and paranormal-dystopian-romance conventions and lets its adolescent heroine think on the page about what makes a human being whole: art, love, faith, education, family, friendship.
—The New York Times Book Review


The diary format allows Joan's romantic tendencies full rein, as well as narrative latitude for a few highly improbable scenarios and wildly silly passion. Tons of period details, especially about clothing, round out a highly satisfying and smart breast-clutcher from this Newbery-winning author.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Coming-of-age drama and deeper questions of faith, belonging, and womanhood are balanced with just the right blend of humor. A wonderful look into the life of strong girl who learns that she needs the love of others to truly grow up.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

5.       Connections

Students that enjoy this historical fiction books may also enjoy books by Ruta Sepetys who has female and male protagonists:

 

Sepetys, Ruta. 2022. I MUST BETRAY YOU. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 978-1984836038

Male protagonist- Set in Romania 1989 about communist Romania and the citizen spy network.

Sepetys, Ruta. 2011. BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 978-0399254123

Female protagonist- Set in Lithuania and Siberian work camps, readers follow the story of a girl’s struggle to survive when Russia invades in 1939.

 

Sepetys, Ruta. 2019. THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 978-0399160318

Female protagonist- Set in 1957 Madrid, this book tells the story of the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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