1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schlitz, Laura Ann 2015. THE HIRED GIRL, Somerville,
MA: Candlewick Press, Inc. ISBN 9780763678180
2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE
HIRED GIRL is a young adult historical
fiction book written about a 14 year old girl who lived on a farm with an
unloving father who does not want her educated.
Her mother who previously died had big dreams for her smart daughter
named Joan. Joan runs away from
Pennsylvania after her dad burns her books and ends up in Baltimore. She changes her name to “Janet Lovelace” and
lies about her age and becomes employed by a Jewish family as a servant.
Joan connects with the family even though
she is a Catholic. She falls in love
with the older Jewish son who does not share her same affections. Even
though he “kissed her three times” and gave her gifts he does not love her and
appears to be a bit of a womanizer. After
being exposed for her lies by “Mimi” who had read her diary, Joan tells the
truth. The family forgives her and lets
her stay and gives her a scholarship to complete her education instead of sending
her back to the poverty and abusive father.
3.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This historical fiction piece is a humorous story that
is explained using Joan’s diary. The
book gives many historical details including setting and historical details
dealing with poverty and wealth. The
story includes all elements in the evaluation criteria of historical
fiction. The characters appear realistic;
the plot is detailed and well thought out, including the Jewish and Catholic
religions. The setting is realistic and
gives detailed examples of architecture and design in the homes. The theme uses
historical times and events and values and they are brought to life in the
story by about family who had servants and their lifestyles. The language of the novel shows dimension and
skill in the writing.
3. REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
2016 Jewish Book Award for
Children and Young Adults
2016 Scott O’Dell Award for
Historical Fiction
4. CONNECTIONS
* Research different religions and diversity
*Read other books about challenges
of overcoming poverty
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