 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Aleutian Sparrow
- By Karen Hesse
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Historical verse novel falls flat despite engaging subject.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book deals with a little-known part of American history: Native Aleutian Islanders who were evacuated in advance of the Japanese
invasion of their islands. For three years they were held in camps,
supposedly for their protection, where a quarter of them died of various
diseases. In this fictional story, told in free verse, Vera's best friend is one of those who dies. Vera herself is a strong character: her grandfather tells her, "Your work is to know the ways of our
people." This she tries to do in the face of hardship,
disease, and death. Kids will need background, context, and help understanding how such a thing could have happened; you may want to read the author's factual notes in the book's afterward with them first.
What's the story?
In a series of short, free-verse poems, Newbery-winning author Hesse tells the story of the native Aleutian Islanders who were evacuated in advance of the Japanese invasion of their islands. For three years they were held in camps, supposedly for their protection, where a quarter of them died of various diseases. Finally allowed to return home, they found their homes and belongings had been destroyed by bombs and by bored US servicemen. Their story is told by half-Aleut Vera who, unlike her best friend Pari, holds on to the old, traditional ways. Her grandfather tells her, "Your work is to know the ways of our people." This she tries to do in the face of hardship, disease, and death.
Is it any good?
Though not as unrelentingly depressing as the author's award-winning Out of the Dust, this book is filled with little action, little characterization, and little hope. Karen Hesse has an important story to tell, and readers may be initially drawn in by the unusual piece of history. They may also be intrigued by the free verse form. But without plot, vivid characters, or emotional power, this book is unlikely to captivate many kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about World War II. What other depictions have you seen or read? Do you think it's important that we continue learning about historical events, like what happened to the Aleuts?
What did you think of this book's format? Why do you think the author decided to write it in free verse? How would the story have been different if it had been written in a narrative form?
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| Author: | Karen Hesse |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | November 9, 2003 |
| Number of pages: | 156 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
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