Poetry: ALEUTIAN SPARROW

Bibliography




Hess, Karen. 2003. Aleutian Sparrow. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-689-86189-3





Plot Summary

After the Japanese invade the Aleutian islands during World War II, the United States government relocated the native people to camps farther south and inland. The Aleutian Sparrow, based on this historical event, follows a young girl named Vera and her family away from her home and through the period of her relocation. Hesse chronicles the struggles of the Aleutian people to survive both the harsh conditions of the camps and the forces eroding their culture. Many died. Some lost the desire to stay with the community, and those that did return received a bitter homecoming. Nevertheless, Vera's last words, "And as Aleuts have always done, We find the will to begin again.", leave the reader hopeful for her future.

Critical Analysis

Both the style of Hesse's writing and the subject matter are powerful. Her well chosen episodes move the reader succinctly through the entire exile. One feels drawn to the indomitable spirit of Vera and her friends as they cling to their traditions to the best of their ability and carve special times out of the hardship. Still, she does not neglect the frustration the Aleut people feel when isolated in an unfamiliar environment, restricted by the government, and resented by the townspeople.

Throughout the poems Hesse offers glimpses of the culture and way of life Vera has left behind. "No seagull eggs, no cod, no halibut, no crab, no salmonberry jam...," food, traditional work, religion, and education are woven into the story adding richness and realism. Though many poems are brief, the words have been chosen with such care that much is revealed to the reader.

This, my first experience with a verse novel, proved highly rewarding. I was deeply moved by the images and emotions that were so intensely conveyed. As I had no previous knowledge of the historical events that inspired this novel, I was motivated to learn more; a feeling that I think my students will share. I look forward to reading The Aleutian Sparrow with middle school children, trusting it will be a favorite for many.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: "...Aleutian Sparrow brings to light an important time in American history, and in the process introduces readers to Aleut culture."

Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books: "The brief author's note refers to true events upon which the story is based but does not mention sources. Endpaper maps are helpful, black-and-white linocuts introducing each section are quietly decorative, and a glossary clarifies Aleut terms."

Connections

Aleut Story, a PBS film, documents the history of the Aleutian relocation and features interviews of actual camp survivors http://www.aleutstory.tv/.

The Arctic Studies Center has information on current and historical culture http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/index.html.

For background reading:

Kohlhoff, Dean. When the Wind Was a River: Aleut Evacuation in World War II. ISBN-13: 978-0295974033