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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Another book in my quest to read a Newberry Medal winner every month this year. The only thing I knew about this book on outset is that it was about a mail-order-bride. I erroneously thought it would be narrated from the bride's perspective. Instead the story is told from the point of view of a young girl who father is looking for a wife to help with hearth and children.
This is a short novel that packs a unexpectedly large punch. The language is so vivid in both it's descriptions of place and the way it connects the reader to the emotions of the characters. You'd have to imagine that a mail-order bride arriving to me a man and his children has got to be awkward, yet the author does such a good job of conveying the sense of expectation that each person is bringing to the situation.
Such a great story! I am looking forward to reading the others in this series.
This is a short novel that packs a unexpectedly large punch. The language is so vivid in both it's descriptions of place and the way it connects the reader to the emotions of the characters. You'd have to imagine that a mail-order bride arriving to me a man and his children has got to be awkward, yet the author does such a good job of conveying the sense of expectation that each person is bringing to the situation.
Such a great story! I am looking forward to reading the others in this series.
I think I read this as a kid but couldn't remember anything about it, so I re-read it. It's definitely a classic, with timeless themes. Short and easy read. Despite being essentially a mail-order bride, Sarah retains her independence. She doesn't agree to marry right away, only to come visit and see what happens. She doesn't let the family tell her she can't do anything, from wearing overalls to driving the buggy into town by herself. She's a great role model.
I feel like you can't really count this as a "novel" - more like a bloated short story - but I absolutely loved it as a child (especially the storm scene!)! As an adult, it was a bit weird. Like the prairie version of match.com. Still a lovable, feel good story for children.
February 18, 2020: reread with my three year old for his FIRST NOVEL EVER!!! Exciting moment. ❤️
February 18, 2020: reread with my three year old for his FIRST NOVEL EVER!!! Exciting moment. ❤️
I just can't get enough of the pioneer/frontier stories, especially of strong women. This is a wonderful children's lit read and I especially liked that it was told from the children's point of view.
1986 Newbery Medal Winner
5/96
1986 Newbery Medal Winner
5/96
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Sophia rating - 4.5/5
David rating - 4/5
Mommy rating - 4/5
David rating - 4/5
Mommy rating - 4/5
This is the story of a prairie settler family comprised of Anna, whose mother died when her brother Caleb was born, and their father Joseph. As was not uncommon during the Regency and Victorian eras, Jacob, so lonely that he could not sing, places an ad for a wife in a New England Newspaper. Sarah, who is plain and tall, responds, and eventually comes to visit. Anna and Caleb (and possibly Joseph, whose thoughts we are not privy to) grow to like Sarah and wonder if she will stay.
The book is written from Anna's point of view. All of the characters are well written, no small feat for such a short and simple book. The writing style unnerved me a little bit -for supposing to be from a child's point of view, the writing is incredibly formal. There are hardly any contractions in the whole book, and though the sentences are short (easy for a child to digest) they seem heavy. It reminds me very much of Hemmingway's style.
I would recommend this book for early elementary school readers. There is no violence, no sex, and no strong language in the book at all. Three stars.
The book is written from Anna's point of view. All of the characters are well written, no small feat for such a short and simple book. The writing style unnerved me a little bit -for supposing to be from a child's point of view, the writing is incredibly formal. There are hardly any contractions in the whole book, and though the sentences are short (easy for a child to digest) they seem heavy. It reminds me very much of Hemmingway's style.
I would recommend this book for early elementary school readers. There is no violence, no sex, and no strong language in the book at all. Three stars.
Had to read this for Children's Lit but I also read it in elementary. I really didn't remember it but it's cute! The only negative thing to say about it was it ended abruptly! Haha
I've read this book with each one of my children, and each time I appreciate it even more.