The Hired Girl
on Goodreads (13,588)
What’s inside...
Inspired by her grandmother's journal, 'The Hired Girl' by Laura Amy Schlitz tells the story of 14-year-old Joan Skraggs who seeks a better life beyond her hardscrabble farm in Pennsylvania. Over the summer of 1911, Joan records her experiences and aspirations in a diary, hoping to transform from a farm girl into a woman with a future. As she navigates the challenges of her new job as a hired girl in Baltimore, she explores themes of feminism, literature, and personal growth. The novel, a comedic tour de force, won the 2016 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.
Age
10-14
Length
392 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joan Skraggs
Mr. Skraggs
Malka
Mrs. Rosenbach
David Rosenbach
Solomon Rosenbach
Mimi Rosenbach
Discussion points
How do you think Joan's life in the countryside compares to her life working in the city? What challenges does she face?
Joan uses writing as a way to express her feelings. How do you think this helps her cope with her situations?
Why do you think Joan is so determined to educate herself, despite the obstacles she faces?
How do the different members of the Rosenbach family influence Joan's views on religion, art, and education?
What do you think are the most important lessons Joan learns throughout her journey in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with school and learning to Joan's self-education efforts.
Discuss the historical context of the story, focusing on how gender and social class affected people's opportunities in the early 20th century.
Ask your child how they would feel and react in Joan's situation when facing new environments and challenges.
Explore together the theme of resilience, by discussing how Joan overcomes obstacles and what your child can learn from her perseverance.
Help your child identify different characters' perspectives in the story and how they contribute to Joan's world view and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Joan, demonstrates empathy as she immerses herself into the lives of others, understanding and sharing their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, understanding different perspectives and exhibiting kindness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Joan shows resilience and hard work as she strives to better her circumstances through education and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Joan’s journey highlights her quest for independence and self-reliance, marking her growth from a naive girl to a mature individual.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-sufficiency and making decisions that are right for them, encouraging personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Joan encounters various social and religious backgrounds, learning to navigate and respect diverse cultural environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of embracing and respecting multiculturalism, promoting inclusivity in a child's community and school.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: The narrative strongly advocates for the transformative power of education in Joan’s life, showing how it opens doors to new opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the significance of continuous learning and education in achieving personal development and career goals.