Jacob Have I Loved

Bibliographic information: 

Paterson, Katherine.  Jacob Have I Loved.  Scholastic, Inc, 1980, p.244.

Brief plot description:

Jacob Have I Loved is about Louise and her family who live on an island in the Chesapeake Bay.  The story starts in the summer of 1941 and continues for a few more years.  This story is about Louise and how she grows out of her twin sister, Caroline’s shadow.  When they were born Louise was strong and Caroline was weak and had to spend a good amount of time in the hospital while Louise was left at home. Louise’s best friend on the island is McCall Purnell who is fourteen years old. Caroline is musically gifted and Louise and her family help provided Caroline with the best music lessons possible. During Louise’s spring break a new man comes to the island.  The man moves into the Wallace house, and his name is Hiram Wallace. 

Louise and McCall become Hiram’s friends. Louise falls in love with Hiram. Does Louise marry Hiram and become independent?

Brief review:

I think that this book would be useful when talking to students about the changes one goes through as they grow up.  The story really shows how Louise grows up during her teenage years.  In the beginning she believes that she is hidden by her sister’s abilities and is not loved as much.  In the end Louise has discovered that she is loved by her parents, and she finds something in which she is talented. The story brings to life a small town in which everyone knows everyone and nothing gets past your neighbors. I believe that the book will help students look for the things that they are good at whether it is in school, church, sports, or other activities. An important lesson is that Louise learned to stand up for herself when she was not being treated fairly. I believe that most students will be able to relate to Louise in some way.   

Genre label:

Modern Fiction

Reading level/interest level:

6^th – 8^th grade; maybe high school

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Lizzie at Last by Claudia Mills

The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

Awards:

Newbery Medal

ALA Booklist “Best of the ‘80s”

New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year

Library of Congress Children’s Books

ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice

Horn Book Fanfare

School Library Journal Best Book

ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults

ALA Notable Children’s Book

ALA Best Book for Young Adults