Hattie Mae Begins Again by Sharon G. Flake
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 1/13/26
ISBN: 0593650344
Genres: Historical Fiction, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

In this companion book to Once in a Blue Moon, Hattie Mae is sent up north to Philadelphia to an elite boarding school during the great migration.  She doesn’t fit in with most of the rich girls at the school and finds herself getting in trouble and contemplates leaving the school entirely.  From day one she doesn’t get along with Lisa, and once Lisa finds out that Hattie is related to the headmistress, she blackmails Hattie into doing chores for her.  Eventually everyone finds out that Hattie is attending the school for free and several of the girls are pulled from the school.  The school receives bad press, and protesters gather outside the school.  Hattie Mae steps up and pulls together the remaining students and her friends from the local neighborhood and they work together to help save the school.

This historical fiction novel in verse would be great for elementary-aged readers.  Hattie Mae grows a lot throughout this book, learning from her many mistakes.  She builds confidence and emerges as a leader among the students. She stays true to herself and her roots while also having big dreams for herself.  Readers who enjoy books with happy endings will enjoy how this novel concludes with a successful campaign to save the school and an improving relationship with Lisa.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library