Title: M.C. Higgins, the Great
Author: Virginia Hamilton
Publisher: Macmillan (original)
Year: 1974
ISBN: 9780689822539
Page Count: ~288
Content Summary (2–5 sentences):
A richly layered novel about Mayo Cornelius Higgins, a teenager living on Sarah’s Mountain in Appalachia, whose family faces cultural, environmental, and generational pressures. As a mining company threatens the mountain’s stability, M.C. struggles with identity, responsibility, and the tension between heritage and change. The story blends environmental justice, family history, community dynamics, and personal growth, making it one of the most important works in American youth literature.
Tier Classification:
Teen Workforce Tier → Cultural Literacy + Environmental Literacy + Civic Identity
Shelf Code:
TEEN‑CUL (Cultural Literacy)
TEEN‑ENV (Environmental Literacy)
TEEN‑CIV (Civic Identity & Community)
Khan Academy Mapping:
Reading Comprehension (ELA)
U.S. History & Regional Studies
Environmental Science Foundations
Social‑Emotional Learning (identity, responsibility)
Alison Credential Mapping:
Cultural Competency
Environmental Awareness & Risk Literacy
Community Interaction & Communication
Problem‑Solving & Decision‑Making
Corridor Alignment:
Civic Workforce Corridor → cultural identity, environmental responsibility, community literacy
Node Placement:
Teen Literacy Node → Cultural / Environmental / Civic shelf
Title: M.C. Higgins, the Great
Author: Virginia Hamilton
Publisher: Macmillan (original)
Year: 1974
ISBN: 9780689822539
Page Count: ~288
Content Summary (2–5 sentences):
A richly layered novel about Mayo Cornelius Higgins, a teenager living on Sarah’s Mountain in Appalachia, whose family faces cultural, environmental, and generational pressures. As a mining company threatens the mountain’s stability, M.C. struggles with identity, responsibility, and the tension between heritage and change. The story blends environmental justice, family history, community dynamics, and personal growth, making it one of the most important works in American youth literature.
Tier Classification:
Teen Workforce Tier → Cultural Literacy + Environmental Literacy + Civic Identity
Shelf Code:
TEEN‑CUL (Cultural Literacy)
TEEN‑ENV (Environmental Literacy)
TEEN‑CIV (Civic Identity & Community)
Khan Academy Mapping:
Reading Comprehension (ELA)
U.S. History & Regional Studies
Environmental Science Foundations
Social‑Emotional Learning (identity, responsibility)
Alison Credential Mapping:
Cultural Competency
Environmental Awareness & Risk Literacy
Community Interaction & Communication
Problem‑Solving & Decision‑Making
Corridor Alignment:
Civic Workforce Corridor → cultural identity, environmental responsibility, community literacy
Node Placement:
Teen Literacy Node → Cultural / Environmental / Civic shelf