Jacob Have I Loved

A Newbery Award Winner

by Katherine Paterson

On Sale: 10/22/1980

Jacob Have I Loved

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Jacob Have I Loved

A Newbery Award Winner

by Katherine Paterson

On Sale: 10/22/1980

Format:

Newbery Medal

ALA Notable Children’s Book

School Library Journal Best Book

ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice

New York Times Outstanding Book

Library of Congress Children’s Books

ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults

Horn Book Fanfare

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

ALA Booklist “Best of the ’80s”

About the Book

Katherine Paterson's remarkable Newbery Medal-winning classic about a painful sibling rivalry, and one sister’s struggle to make her own way, is an honest and daring portrayal of adolescence and coming of age. 

A strong choice for independent reading, both for summer reading and homeschooling, as well as in the classroom, Jacob Have I Loved has been lauded as a cornerstone young adult novel and was ranked among the all-time best children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal.

"Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated . . ." With her grandmother's taunt, Louise knew that she, like the biblical Esau, was the despised elder twin. Caroline, her selfish younger sister, was the one everyone loved.

Growing up on a tiny Chesapeake Bay island, angry Louise reveals how Caroline has robbed her of everything: her hopes for schooling, her friends, her mother, even her name. While everyone pampers Caroline, Wheeze (her sister's name for her) begins to learn the ways of the watermen and the secrets of the island, especially of old Captain Wallace, who has mysteriously returned after fifty years.

The war unexpectedly gives this independent girl a chance to fulfill her dream to work on the water alongside her father. But the dream does not satisfy the woman she is becoming. Alone and unsure, Louise begins to fight her way to a place for herself outside her sister's shadow. But in order to do that, she must first figure out who she is...

Critical Praise

"A novel of special brilliance." — New York Times Book Review

"Simply irresistible." — Publishers Weekly

"With wry humor, Sara Louise recalls her turbulent adolescence on Rass Island and her intense jealousy of her twin sister. Strength of characterization and memorable external and internal action mark this superbly crafted novel about a quest for self-knowledge." — Newbery Committee

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Resources

Product Details

  • ISBN: 9780690040784
  • ISBN 10: 0690040784
  • Imprint: HarperTeen
  • On Sale: 10/22/1980
  • Pages: 224
  • List Price:21.99 CAD
  • Ages: 8 to 12
  • BISAC1 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Girls & Women
  • BISAC2 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / General (see also headings under Family)
  • BISAC3 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Siblings

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