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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
I last read this in the 3rd grade, and it still holds up as a spare, elegant story of longing and new beginnings. It's almost more like a poem. If you like action and adventure, it's probably not for you, but I'm drawn to its quiet thoughtfulness, and am glad I re-read it.
I just read this in my 40 minute lunch break. I would definitely recommend it for 9-12 year olds.
July 2023. Another short Newberry Medal winner I never got around to as a kid and decided to check out when I needed an easy listen while crunching numbers for work.
It was okay, nothing all that interesting or special. Mail order bride/mom misses the sea, talks about it a lot, deals with it, kids are nice.
Listened to on Libby audiobook with my Sac library card.
“Sarah, Plain and Tall” by Patricia MacLachlan.
It was okay, nothing all that interesting or special. Mail order bride/mom misses the sea, talks about it a lot, deals with it, kids are nice.
Listened to on Libby audiobook with my Sac library card.
“Sarah, Plain and Tall” by Patricia MacLachlan.
A historical fiction book about two children whose father puts in an ad for a wife after their mother dies and it is answered by Sarah, who I'd plain and tall.
This is a nice, short story that can be used to teach a bit of history. It is moving and enjoyable. I remember it from childhood and it still holds up.
This is a nice, short story that can be used to teach a bit of history. It is moving and enjoyable. I remember it from childhood and it still holds up.
A sweet, short story about two children, Caleb and Anna who've lost their mother, so their dad sends for a mail-order bride. A woman named Sarah answers. She is from Maine and loves the sea. She is plain and tall. The children are excited to meet Sarah, and hope she will be their new mother; that she will sing like their mother used to, and also because Papa doesn't sing anymore, not since their mother died. But the children are worried that Sarah won't stay, because they live on the Wyoming prairie, where there is no sea, and their house is too small and Caleb is too noisy.
It's really about the simple pleasures in life and the warm affection between Sarah and her new family. The prose is simple (it's a children's book), yet moving and profound, and equally enjoyable for adults.
The book is based on a true story of an ancestor in the author's family tree. When I was in first grade, Patricia MacLachlan came to my school and talked to us about her book. I thought it was cool that a famous author grew up in the same town as I did, but I was disappointed when she was autographing her books and I didn't so much as have a piece of scratch paper for her to sign. I later begged my mom to buy me the book, since I hadn't even read it yet. I still have that (unsigned *sigh* copy).
It's really about the simple pleasures in life and the warm affection between Sarah and her new family. The prose is simple (it's a children's book), yet moving and profound, and equally enjoyable for adults.
The book is based on a true story of an ancestor in the author's family tree. When I was in first grade, Patricia MacLachlan came to my school and talked to us about her book. I thought it was cool that a famous author grew up in the same town as I did, but I was disappointed when she was autographing her books and I didn't so much as have a piece of scratch paper for her to sign. I later begged my mom to buy me the book, since I hadn't even read it yet. I still have that (unsigned *sigh* copy).
Couldn’t remember a thing about this book from elementary school, but I remembered I liked it and took a chance when it was very cheap on Book Outlet. Very short and sweet! The concept of a mail order bride has always fascinated me; it’s a very different type of immigration, even if you’re coming from within the same country. Leaving behind an old life and starting a new one and a new job as a wife (and sometimes mother) to a new family is a very daunting idea to me.
This is definitely a simple story, but I love the way that you get other stories as you read between the lines. I’m sure the romantic in me even as a tween loved the way Sarah fell in love with everyone in the family, from the sheep to Jacob, her new husband. Seeing it through Anna’s eyes and hearing it in Caleb’s unending emotional commentary was adorable.
This is definitely a simple story, but I love the way that you get other stories as you read between the lines. I’m sure the romantic in me even as a tween loved the way Sarah fell in love with everyone in the family, from the sheep to Jacob, her new husband. Seeing it through Anna’s eyes and hearing it in Caleb’s unending emotional commentary was adorable.
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I just read this aloud to my 7, 5, and 3 year old boys. Every one of them loved it. I liked the short chapters for bed-time reading aloud.
This is a great little book for reading aloud. We finished it in just a few sittings, and reading it to my kids helped bring the emotions of the story to life. I liked it better this time around simply for that reason.
I confess that this wasn't my first time reading "Sarah, Plain and Tall". I love how I can't help but gently smile through the whole thing. I love how quiet, calm, and thoughtful the characters are. However, I love the extra depth that the movie version gave as well.