Hattie Mae's Halloween

A Mom's Choice Gold Level Award recipient, Hattie Mae's Halloween is a lesson in standing up for family, friends and values. It's told through the tale of a farm girl whose unique Halloween costume is challenged by teachers, leaving her with a difficult decision to make. Hattie is delightful to read to children aged 5 to 7, and perfect for independent readers aged 8 to 10. 

The Tale.  Hattie Mae Bramble's grade school is holding its annual costume  contest. Her principal encourages everyone to "be original," and fifth  grader Hattie accepts that challenge. Steeped in a Midwestern farm life  before computers and cell phones, her days are filled with caring for  pigs, 4-H club meetings, church group, and dreams of becoming a  veterinarian. These experiences shape the creation of Hattie's  costume--designed with help from her mother. But when the time comes to  dress up at school, not everyone welcomes her perspective. In fact, some  folks want to trample Hattie's creativity. Young readers will giggle  and root for this self-assured redhead as she struggles with the tough  and confusing decision that follows. 

When all is said and done, Hattie  shows children how to stand up for their 

ideas and values with maturity  and grace. 

WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT HATTIE MAE'S HALLOWEEN

“This chapter book effectively introduces a way of life that many middle-graders haven’t experienced—living on a working farm in a rural community where church youth groups are important components of social life. Wargel also includes photographs of her family from her own childhood, and a few questions at the end of the book show her interest in further engaging her readers.” – Kirkus Reviews

"Definitely a keepsake.  There are some people who like to accomplish goals by easy or cheap ways  vs. there are those who work hard and with dedication end up achieving  their goals, even though they may get ridiculed by the society. I would  recommend this book and I do appreciate 

author Claudine C. Wargel's  work." - Goodreads Review

"Very  sweet story about a young girls imagination. While Hattie is only in the fifth  grade she gets into some trouble over her Halloween costume. How she  handles herself shows a grace that is lost in stories today. It is such a  heartwarming story that makes you feel good. Yet the message is clear  enough that kids will understand. I also liked the fact that it is not a  small book bit between small and big so younger kids will stay  interested in it. I do hope there will be more stories centered on Hattie Mae!" - Goodreads.com Reader

"What a wonderful read. I love children's books they can learn "values" from. This book teaches them to not only stand on what they feel is  right but to also understand that winning really isn't everything. A  friend's daughter is a first-year teacher this year and she is teaching  5th grade. I'm donating my copy to her classroom. Thank you for sharing a part of your childhood with the world." - Goodreads.com Reader

"Love  this book! Hattie Mae took me back to my childhood as I remembered the  fun of Halloween parades and making costumes with treasures found in  mom's sewing room. Hattie Mae is a strong, confident girl and the book's message is sure to create meaningful dialog between children and adults ...." - Amazon Buyer 

"Delightful  story, well written and articulated -- a real sense of what a young lady thinks about and focuses on while living on a Central Illinois farm  -- not far from my own experiences.  I just wish I had been as creative as she is." - Mary Auth, Mary Auth Marketing & 

Public Relations Strategies