A historical fiction book for all ages.

This week's book spotlight is on:

Sarah, Plain and Tall by: Patricia Maclachlan

Summary:

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a story about a family that lives on the prairie during the nineteenth century.  People traveled by train or by horse.  Communication was delivered by telegraph or by written letters.  During this time, it was not uncommon for men to put ads into newspapers to find a wife.  The father in this story did just that!   His wife died the day after she gave birth to a son named Caleb.  Caleb also has a big sister who named Anna.  Anna helped take care of her brother as an infant along with a housekeeper.  So, Jacob, Anna and Caleb are longing for a wife and mother to complete their family. 

One day, Jacob, the father, received a letter from Sarah Elizabeth Wheaton.  She informed the family that she was interested in Jacob's ad.  Sarah lived by the sea in Maine. Jacob, Anna, and Caleb wrote a letter to Sarah.  Caleb wanted to know if Sarah sings, and all about her cat Seal.  Anna wanted to know if she could braid hair and bake.  Sarah answered their letters, and decided to travel from Maine to the prairie to meet the family.  She told Jacob that she will be wearing a yellow bonnet, and she is plain and tall.  Her description of herself is the inspiration for the book's title.

Jacob, the father, picked up Sarah at the train station.  The children were so excited to meet her.  They waited all afternoon on their front porch to see the first sign of a wagon coming toward their home. 

 The children instantly fell in love with Sarah.  She taught Anna and Caleb about the sea and sea animals.  The children taught Sarah all about farm life on the prairie.  Caleb and Anna loved Sarah so much that they were afraid she would leave one day.  Sarah also loved this family, and decided to marry Jacob.  The next book in this series, Skylark, describes the wedding of Sarah and Jacob.

Sarah, Plain and Tall is classified as historical fiction.  The characters live during the 1800's.  The luxuries of the modern age were not available then.  For example, women could die from childbirth,whereas, now that would be far from likely.  

The characters in this story are appealing, because they touch the heart of readers by their pure desire for a mother, a wife, or a family. Anna, Caleb, and Jacob were very excited at the end of the book to find out that Sarah intended on marrying Jacob.  There is a happy ending, and anticipation to find out what is next for this family.  

The plot develops throughout the book.  Sarah enters the story as a stranger.  The book ends with her about to become a wife and step-mother. The conflict of the story is found in whether or not Sarah can adjust for the prairie life style.  Anna and Caleb's conflict is found in their worry of Sarah leaving the prairie to go back home to  her family in Maine.  The resolution is found when Sarah decided to stay and marry Jacob.

Sarah, Plain and Tall is told from Anna's point of view.  It is in a first person narrative.  Anna explains how she felt when her mother died, the day after Caleb was born.  It took Anna some to time to except Caleb while she was grieving her mother.  Anna also explains how she felt when Sarah came into her life, and when she decided to marry her father.  Anna also explains what each character says and does throughout the story.

"Sarah, Plain and Tall is a wonderful story full of excitement, adventure, love, and healing.  I would definitely include this book in my classroom.  This book would appeal to students between 3rd-5th grade.  Sarah, Plain and Tall could be integrated easily while teaching westward expansion, and life on the prairie."  Heather

"My opinion of this book is that it is an excellent book to read to young children, because it tells how hard life would be living out west long ago. The clothing reminded me so much of the movie “The Little House on the Prairie.” I also feel that Anna, Caleb, Papa, and Sarah all had to work hard to make their lives together successful and meaningful. They made up their own games, told their own stories, sing songs, and share in the work of the farm. The theme of sharing makes the book a positive reading experience for young children. This book is simple, yet full of meaning. I admire young Anna and Caleb for adjusting to the prairie life, and how they responded to the loss of a love one at a very young age." Cassandra

Learn more about Patricia Maclachlan here: