After leaving Uncle Chester's homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice. Real reporters must go to Grand Places, and do Grand Things, like Hattie's hero Nellie Bly. Another girl might be stymied by this, but Hattie has faced down a hungry wolf and stood up to a mob of angry men. Nothing can squash her desire to write for a big city newspaper. A letter and love token from Uncle Chester's old flame in San Francisco fuels that desire and Hattie jumps at the opportunity to get there by working as a seamstress for a traveling acting troupe. This could be her chance to solve the mystery of her "scoundrel" uncle and, in the process, help her learn more about herself. But Hattie must first tell Charlie that she will not join him in Seattle. Even though her heart approves of Charlie's plan for their marriage, her mind fears that saying yes to him would be saying no to herself. Hattie holds her own in the big city, literally pitching her way to a byline, and a career that could be even bigger than Nellie Bly's. But can making headlines compensate for the pain of betrayal and lost love? Hattie must dig deep to find her own true place in the world. Kirby Larson once again creates a lovingly written novel about the remarkable and resilient young orphan, Hattie Inez Brooks.
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"Excellent! Well done!! SIX stars!!! I've also read the first book, Hattie Big Sky, but this one was even better and I am blown away at Kirby Larson's mad research skills. I don't know how she so flawlessly combines all the elements of story and gets the historical facts "mostly" right (she acknowledges a few things). I'm salivating to read more of Kirby Larson. The first book takes place in Montana (my home) and this book takes place in San Francisco (I was JUST there! I, too, walked to the Fairmont Hotel, etc., etc.!!!). I LOVE HATTIE!!! And it sounds like there will be a third installment. At least, there had BETTER be! I'm so happy I met these books."
— Jody (5 out of 5 stars)
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2012:“Readers will fall for this earnest, wide-eyed and strong-minded young woman… Historical fiction with heart.”
Washington Post, March 10, 2013:
Larson brings this bustling city to vivid life through glimpses of Chinatown, Great Beach Highway and the Chronicle offices, with their “inky perfume” and clattering presses. The novel also has a nice tie-in to National Women’s History Month, exploring as it does the changing role of women in the post-World War I workplace...[Don't let the] age range stop you from sharing this lively tale with younger newshounds and history buffs."
Booklist, February 1, 2013:
One of the best parts about this is the way Larson brings San Francisco, circa 1919, alive—especially the opportunities and stumbling blocks for women...Fans of the first book will be thrilled to see the ups and downs of Hattie’s romance with old boyfriend Charlie, while her relationship with another fellow leads to an interesting twist. This is reminiscent of Maude Hart Lovelace’s later Betsy books, whose heroine also wanted to write. And that’s high praise."
Publishers Weekly, February 18, 2013:
Fans of the first novel will gladly reconnect with this memorable heroine, but the narrative stands firmly on its own, too."
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, February 2013:
Hattie is the kind of character readers actually wonder about after closing the book, and her fans from her first title will be satisfied, and even perhaps relieved, to know she finds her footing in the world."
School Library Journal, March 2013:
Larson’s meticulous research brings early-20th-century San Francisco to life, and readers will feel that they are right there with Hattie in the hustle and bustle of a booming city. The way in which she achieves not only her professional ambitions but also personal growth and fulfillment leads to a wholly satisfying conclusion, and the author’s note gives readers a good feel for the solid historical foundations of Hattie’s story."
Starred Review, Shelf Awareness, March 26, 2013:
Engaging and absorbing...Hattie Ever After reflects Larson's meticulous research, yet the historical details never overwhelm the story or the characters. Instead, all the elements combine to form a multilayered and colorful story. Readers will be thrilled to follow the trials and triumphs of Miss Hattie Inez Brooks in 1919 San Francisco."
“[A] lively tale.”
— Washington Post“Fans of the first novel will gladly reconnect with this memorable heroine, but the narrative stands firmly on its own, too.”
— Publishers Weekly“Fans of the first book will be thrilled to see the ups and downs of Hattie’s romance with old boyfriend Charlie, while her relationship with another fellow leads to an interesting twist. This is reminiscent of Maude Hart Lovelace’s later Betsy books, whose heroine also wanted to write. And that’s high praise.”
— Booklist“Readers will fall for this earnest, wide-eyed and strong-minded young woman…Historical fiction with heart.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“Larson’s meticulous research brings early-twentieth century San Francisco to life, and readers will feel that they are right there with Hattie in the hustle and bustle of a booming city. The way in which she achieves not only her professional ambitions but also personal growth and fulfillment leads to a wholly satisfying conclusion, and the author’s note gives readers a good feel for the solid historical foundations of Hattie’s story.”
— School Library Journal“Hattie is the kind of character readers actually wonder about after closing the book, and her fans from her first title will be satisfied, and even perhaps relieved, to know she finds her footing in the world.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books" Hattie has gumption in bucket-loads and I'm thrilled we get to follow her to San Francisco where she becomes a reporter. The language and details of the time period are spot on and really put you right alongside Hattie as she experiences San Fran. You can almost smell it, you're so there! As good as the Newbery honor book, HATTIE BIG SKY - you won't want to miss HATTIE EVER AFTER. "
— Elizabeth, 2/20/2014" I just started this to see if I liked it as much as Hattie Big Sky. I didn't. "
— Diana, 2/20/2014" This is a great little squeal to the Newbery Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky. It is a young adult novel, so some of the plot lines were pretty obvious, but the strong female character was fun to read. I love how the author is comfortable leaving characters as imperfect and not wrapping everything up perfectly. Fast read. "
— Nicole, 2/6/2014" This was a great sequel to Hattie Big Sky. I loved the way that Hattie's time under the Big Sky still influences the way she thinks and talks, even in the big city. This would be an excellent book for older elementary students who read on a higher level and want to read books about older topics, like falling in love. There's an intriguing mystery to solve, plus the excitement of a teenage girl trying to succeed in a mostly-male newsroom. "
— Cari, 1/30/2014" Loved Hattie Big Sky and I loved Hattie Ever After. I didn't want it to end! "
— Stacey, 1/25/2014" I love Hattie, but this one didn't ring as true to me. I loved the historical background "
— Linda, 1/22/2014" Man, talk about your plucky heroine, reeling from misadventure to person with heart of gold and back again. I really, really can't stand books based on such overtly plucky heroines. "
— Wendy, 1/11/2014" what a charming read! Great follow up to the another wonderful book "Hattie Big Sky." I loved the adventure the author took Hattie and the readers on - made the reader feel as if they were part of all the excitement. "
— Kimberly, 1/11/2014" My only question is whether or not those ALA people will think of this book as YA or MG. I can't imagine them not awarding it one of those shinny stickers. "
— Colby, 12/10/2013" Hattie is back again (pleasing fans of Hattie Big Sky!), as resilient and endearing as before. A fascinating glimpse into 1919 San Francisco, including the reporting and newspaper industry and early aviation. "
— Sandi, 11/26/2013" I loved the history. I thought the story was a bit predictable, and I did not like it nearly as much as the first. However, I would have no problem recommending it to teens. "
— Becky, 10/15/2013" A lovely sequel to a wonderful book! "
— Lee, 9/6/2013" Not as good as the first book about Hattie. But, still a fun read. "
— Lauralee, 6/30/2013" Excellent continuation of the story in Hattie Big Sky! "
— Ellen, 5/22/2013" Cute sequel to Hattie Big Sky. Light and easy read about Hattie pursuing her dream to be a reporter in San Francisco just after World War I. The story is well-written and has a great message about following your dreams and making things happen! "
— Jill, 4/13/2013" Such a wonderful sequel to the Newbery Honor winning "Hattie Big Sky". This book is all that you hope for in a sequel about a character (Hattie) that is inspiring and uplifting. Loved every page! The author, Kirby Larson, does a terrific job with the historical facts from 1915. "
— Diane, 4/10/2013" A beautiful story of hope, resilience, and passionate pursuit of dreams. Charlie's final letter made all my previous frustrations melt away. Kirbie Larson shares exquisite writing with us all! "
— Tenille, 3/1/2013" After she can't prove up on the homestead claim, Hattie tries out several jobs looking for her calling as a reporter. "
— Mckinley, 2/19/2013" LOVE LOVE LOVE from start to finish. "
— Sarah, 1/15/2013Kirby Larson is an award-winning author of a number of books for children. Her book, Hattie Big Sky, won the 2007 Newbery Honor Award. A frequent speaker, she has shared her passion for research, reading, and writing at more than two hundred schools, workshops, and seminars in the United States and as far away as Qatar, Lebanon, and Guam.
Kirsten Potter has won several awards, including more than a dozen AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a three-time finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. Her work has been recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and by AudioFile magazine, among many others. She graduated with highest honors from Boston University and has performed on stage and in film and television, including roles on Medium, Bones, and Judging Amy.