Family movie night? There's an app for that
Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.
Aleutian Sparrow
By Matt Berman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Historical verse novel falls flat despite engaging subject.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author: Karen Hesse
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication date: November 9, 2003
- Number of pages: 156
- Last updated: September 2, 2015
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate