M. C. Higgins, the Great facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Virginia Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Macmillan (US) Hamish Hamilton (UK) |
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Publication date
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1974 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 278 pp |
| ISBN | 0027424804 |
| OCLC | 312852502 |
| LC Class | PZ7.H1828 Mac |
M. C. Higgins, the Great is a powerful novel written by Virginia Hamilton. It was first published in 1974. This book tells a realistic story about growing up and facing big changes.
The novel quickly became famous. It won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1975. This award celebrates the best American children's literature. M. C. Higgins, the Great also won the National Book Award and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. It was the very first book to win all three of these major awards! Only one other book, Holes by Louis Sachar, has achieved this since.
About the Book
M. C. Higgins, the Great is a type of story called a bildungsroman. This is a fancy word for a "coming-of-age" novel. It means the story focuses on a main character's journey. You see them grow and learn important lessons about life.
What's the Story About?
The book follows three important days in the life of a teenager named Mayo Cornelius Higgins. He lives in the Appalachian Mountains. The story takes place on a made-up mountain called Sarah's Mountain in Kentucky. It's close to the Ohio River.
M.C.'s family and their way of life are threatened. A mining company is getting closer to their home. The story shows the unique customs of the people living in the mountains. This includes their special songs and old traditions. At its heart, the book is about M.C. learning to balance old traditions with new changes.
Beyond the Book: Translations and a Movie
M. C. Higgins, the Great has been enjoyed by many readers worldwide. It has been translated into different languages. These include Japanese and German. The book was also made into a movie in 1986.
