BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hesse, Karen. 2003. Aleutian Sparrow. New York: Margaret K. Mc Elderry Books. ISBN 0689861893

PLOT SUMMARY

In this verse novel for young adults, Hesse tells of the forced relocation of a young girl named Vera and people from the Aleutian Island after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Their homes no longer safe due to the nearness of the Japanese forces, they are moved to sites on the Alaskan mainland. Surrounded by a strange and unfriendly culture, the Aleuts struggle to survive. Some, weakened by hunger, succumb to illness. Vera and her friends encounter prejudice as they try to fit into this strange world while maintaining their own cultural identity. At the war’s end, they find their villages destroyed but are determined to start over.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

“The best verse novels are built on poems that are often stand-alone works of poetry. A narrative unfolds poem by poem, often with multiple points of view and in colloquial, conversational language.” (Vardell, p116) Hesse tells her story in a series of vignettes in verse. Each poem provides the reader with a glimpse into the word of Vera and her people. The poems are free verse and conversational in style. Evoking the feeling of being right on spot observing events of each providing a base for what follows. Hesse creates an atmosphere of sadness which never gives way to despair. Her young heroine finds the strength in her community to face anything and carry on. Ultimately, “Aleutian Sparrow” provides inspirations inspiration to all who read its words and hear its song.


REVIEW EXCERPT
“Some of the poems are quite graceful, conveying much in just a few lines, but in general, the format of this novel-in-verse doesn't serve the author well, resulting in meager characterization and, despite its elemental story of oppression and survival, a surprisingly unaffecting plot.”

Brabander, J. (2004). Aleutian Sparrow. Horn Book Magazine, 80(1), 82. Retrieved September 26, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052


5. CONNECTIONS

Hesse, K. (1997). Out of the dust. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780590376198