Bibliography Schlitz, Laura A. 2015. The Hired Girl. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763678180 Plot Summary Joan Skraggs, a fourteen-year-old farm girl in Pennsylvania dreams of a better life. After her mother passes away, Joan is left to care for her insensitive and slovenly father and brothers. She does all the work without even a thank you, let alone any pay. Joan finds herself escaping through books, which her father burns as punishment, forcing Joan to make a dramatic choice about her future. Surely life as a hired girl for six dollars a week is better than the life she is destined to on the farm! So, she runs away, lies about her age, and becomes the new hired girl in a Jewish household in an upscale Baltimore neighborhood. Joan must learn to navigate her newfound home, the culture within it, and her changing attitudes and feelings as she grows up to become a young woman. Joan tells her story through her journal, giving the reader and inside look at her thoughts, feelings, and heart, as she writes about her life as the hired girl. Critical Analysis The Hired Girl, from Newbery medalist, Laura Amy Schlitz, follows the life of fourteen-year-old Joan Skaggs through her journal over the summer of 1911. Joan longs to educate herself and make a better life than what she had on her family’s farm in rural Pennsylvania. After a confrontation with her father, which results in the burning of her beloved books, Joan makes the dramatic decision to leave home and run away to be a hired girl. Readers will identify with Joan’s desire to make a better life for herself and follow her dreams. Joan’s character traits, along with her true-to-life emotions, makes her vividly real to the reader. Throughout Joan’s journal, the reader is able to see her becoming a young woman. Her thoughts, attitudes, and ideas mature and change throughout the book. The other characters in the book, although minor to Joan, play a major part in the development and realism of her character. The Rosenbachs, the Jewish family who hire Joan, influence her to better herself, grow up, and force her to face some of the harsh realities of the times. Malka, the cranky, old house maid she is hired to help, even plays a major role in Joan discovering and bettering herself. Even though the characters are from another time and may be from a culture unfamiliar to readers, Schlitz does an excellent job of describing their traits, clothing, and attitudes, as well as using authentic dialog that supports their realism. From Joan’s rural Pennsylvania farm, to the lavish home of the Rosenbachs, Schlitz does a wonderful job of creating vivid imagery that makes the setting come to life. The activities, social functions, and cultural expectations add to this imagery. Joan’s journal, and the plot of the story, are not too complex but are able to deftly deal with some major themes and social conflicts of the time. Joan’s naiveté, intelligence, and wit are well written and the dialog between characters reflects the cultures and traditions within the story. The Jewish culture plays a major role in the book. Schlitz does a wonderful job of using Jewish sayings, Hebrew words, and describing Jewish customs through Joan’s voice in a way that is realistic, yet easily understood by the reader. She avoids stereotyping, and does a remarkable job of describing the way Jewish people were treated during this period in American history. Joan learns about anti-Semitism, and sees it reflected through the culture of her own religion. This book explores different religions and viewpoints respectfully, providing a historical background for the feelings of each. The themes of this book are deep, yet easily recognized, throughout the story. One of the major themes is that of growing up and following your heart. Joan experiences this as she steps out in the world and makes a life for herself. She also encourages this in the other characters in the story, especially in her encouragement of the two Rosenbach sons to follow their dreams and stand up for themselves. Another theme that readers will engage with is the persecution and oppression of those who are poor or different. The anti-Semitism discussed in the book, along with the working class conditions of time, will help readers reflect on the current social and cultural climates in which we are living. The theme of the importance of education resonates throughout the book, as well. Joan’s desire to read, learn, and become a teacher, along with Mr. Rosenbach’s encouragement of his own children and his building/founding of a new school in Baltimore bring to light the importance education has in overcoming social and class barriers. This book accurately portrays the social and cultural conditions of the early 1900’s and is written in a way that reflects the voice of the people during that time. The characters are easy to identify with and root for, and all of this is woven together in a rich, engaging story that will leave you satisfied and happy for all of the characters and their outcomes. This wonderful piece of historical fiction is sure to be an instant favorite with young adult and adult readers alike! Response The characters in this story are so well written and engaging! As a reader, I found myself instantly sympathizing with Joan and rooting for her to escape and make a better life for herself. Each member of the Rosenbach family was memorable, well-developed, and added to the fabric of the story. And, of course, dear old Malka, the elderly housemaid, as grumpy as she was, could not help but be loved as she began to care for and mentor Joan. One of my favorite aspects of the book, besides the history behind it, was that it centered on Joan bettering herself. What a great theme for readers of all ages! Joan’s determination and intense desire to create the life her mother dreamed she would have is touching, engaging, and admirable. Joan makes mistakes and learns, she grows up, and she makes herself a better person. What’s not to love about that? The journal format of the story makes it easy to read and provides an insight to the thoughts, feelings, and heart of Joan. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down! Honors 2016 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction 2016 Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Award Winner 2016 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Reviews “Written as a diary, the first-person narrative brings immediacy to Joan’s story and intimacy to her confessions and revelations. The distinctive household setting and the many secondary characters are well developed, while Joan comes alive on the page as a vulnerable, good-hearted, and sometimes painfully self-aware character struggling to find her place in the world. A memorable novel from a captivating storyteller.” – Booklist, starred review “The diary format allows Joan's romantic tendencies full rein, as well as narrative latitude for a few highly improbable scenarios and wildly silly passion. Tons of period details, especially about clothing, round out a highly satisfying and smart breast-clutcher from this Newbery-winning author.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review “The book is framed as Joan’s diary, and her weaknesses, foibles, and naiveté come through as clearly—and as frequently—as her hopes, dreams, and aspirations...by the end readers feel as if they’ve witnessed the real, authentic growth of a memorable young woman.” – The Horn Book, starred review “Coming-of-age drama and deeper questions of faith, belonging, and womanhood are balanced with just the right blend of humor. A wonderful look into the life of strong girl who learns that she needs the love of others to truly grow up.” – School Library Journal, starred review “An enlightening portrayal of a young girl’s struggle to assert herself at a time when women’s rights were just beginning to be established...Joan’s strength and determination, despite the expectations of a young woman’s attitude and behavior at the time, are inspiring to young readers. Readers of all ages will find her an appealing heroine.” – VOYA Connections
Other Notable Books by Laura Amy Schlitz
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AuthorMy name is Mrs. Scott and I'm a secondary Media Resource Specialist (librarian) in Texas. This blog was created as part of my graduate coursework at Texas Woman's University. All reviews and opinions are my own.
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