1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Hesse, Karen. 2003. ALEUTIAN SPARROW. Ill. Evon Zerbetz. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-689-86189-3
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
In June, 1942 during World War II, Japanese forces attacked the Aleutian Islands. In order to “protect the people”, the U.S. military moved the Aleuts to internment camps in the southwest section of Alaska. As a result of the deplorable conditions and much suffering, many of the Aleuts died during this three-year internment. Hesse tells this moving story through the eyes and voice of Vera, a half Aleutian girl. The story describes the community’s struggle to keep their heritage intact.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
ALEUTIAN SPARROW, a historical fiction novel written for ages 10-14, is a Junior Library Guild selection. It is a 160-page novel of unrhymed verse by Newbery Award winner, Karen Hesse. Told through the eyes of Vera, an Aleut girl, the reader begins to live the life of a people in an internment camp. The verses are short, unrhymed, and divided into four major time-dated sections based on location: (1) Kashega, May-June 1942, (2) Wrangell, July 1942, (3) Ward Lake, August1942-April 1945; (4) the Aleutians, April 1945. In this fast moving novel, each page has a heading which helps to keep the reader on track with the main focus of the page. Though in no way a “pity-party”, the reader will feel the suffering of the Aleuts during this difficult period in the history of that culture and our country. Evon Zerbetz’s black and white linocut illustrations support Hesse’s words and contribute to the recognition that these were not good times for the Aleuts.
The novel concludes with an author’s note. An excerpt from that note reads: “This book is a work of fiction based on true events. The Aleut characters described here are not intended to depict specific individuals, but rather to represent the experience shared by many during the three-year relocation.” A very short Aleutian glossary is included.
Hesse does a good job of tackling a little known and difficult story.
Hesse does a good job of tackling a little known and difficult story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “The novel begins at a happy time for Vera, in May, 1942, and ends with her return home in April, 1945. During the course of the story, readers see all that the Aleut people endure during these years-bewilderment, prejudice, despair, illness, death, and everyday living that does include moments of humor and even a budding romance for Vera. Hesse's verses are short and flow seamlessly, one into another. Her use of similes is a powerful tool in describing people, scenes, events, and emotions. Ending on a hopeful note, Aleutian Sparrow brings to light an important time in American history, and in the process introduces readers to Aleut culture.Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH”
KIRKUS Review: “with a whisper-soft touch, Hesse’s clear resonant verses and delicate imagery will break hearts.”
5. CONNECTIONS:
This book will make an excellent springboard for a thematic unit or webquest on the Aleuts and Aleutian culture.
This book will make an excellent springboard for a thematic unit or webquest on the Aleuts and Aleutian culture.
At the site posted below, there is an extensive annotated bibliography and resource list for rare photographs, declassified government documents, congressional records that tell the Aleut Story. There is also a print bibliography and a list of online sources.
Unit inclusion suggestions: evacuation and internment of Aleut American, Aleut history and culture, the World War II battle for the Aleutians, and Alaska Naïve history.
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