M.C. Higgins, the Great
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

M.C. Higgins, the Great

By Virginia Hamilton

A boy dreams of escape as strangers bring hope and freedom to his mountain home.

3.4/5 Goodreads · 4,431 ratings
288 pages
$7.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Mayo Cornelius Higgins perches atop a steel pole, overlooking the Appalachian landscape and the looming threat of a strip mining rubble heap. As his home faces danger, M.C. dreams of escape for his family. When two strangers arrive, one offering fame for his mother and the other a glimpse of unimaginable freedom, M.C. must decide whether to fight for his home or seize a new future. Will these visitors bring salvation or further turmoil to Sarah’s Mountain?

From the publisher

Discover this masterpiece from Virginia Hamilton that was the first book to win the Newberry, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home.

M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1975)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1974)
At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
288
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
560L
Themes & topics
Books about familyBooks about self-esteem and self-relianceBooks about self-esteemBooks about social themesBooks about family life
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.7
F&P level
~N
Publication
Published
May 1, 2006
First published
August 1, 1974
Publisher
Aladdin
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781416914075

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