M.C. Higgins, the Great

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1974
288
Novel • Fiction
Ohio • 1970s
1974
YA
9-12 years
M.C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton follows a young person named M.C. Higgins who grapples with the challenges facing his family and community living on an Ohio hillside threatened by industrial encroachment. M.C. dreams of a better future while dealing with the legacies of his ancestors and the changing environment around him.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Inspirational
M.C. Higgins, the Great is praised for its rich storytelling and vivid portrayal of Appalachian life, capturing the complexities of family and tradition. Hamilton's character development is lauded, though some find the pacing uneven. The novel's exploration of environmental themes and its profound impact on young readers are widely appreciated.
Ideal for young readers aged 10-14, M.C. Higgins, the Great will captivate those who enjoy coming-of-age stories with rich, cultural settings like Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Admirers of diverse, resilient characters and compelling family dynamics will find this Newbery Medal-winning novel both engaging and thought-provoking.
288
Novel • Fiction
Ohio • 1970s
1974
YA
9-12 years
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