10. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL by Patricia MacLachlan (Harper Trophy, 1987)

GENRE: Historical

HONORS: Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award, Christopher Award for Ages 8-10, Garden State Children’s Book Award, Golden Kite Award, International Board on Books for Young People Honor List, Jefferson Cup Award, John Newbery Medal Winner, Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature, Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

REVIEW:

Ever since their mother died shortly after Caleb’s birth, Anna and Caleb have lived alone with their father on the prairie.  When their father places an ad in the paper for a wife, he receives a letter from a woman named Sarah Wheaton.  Hoping that Sarah will bring back the laughter and singing that disappeared with their mother’s death, Anna and Caleb write letters to her, asking questions about her life.  After a short time, Sarah sends a letter that she will come visit for a month and describes herself as “plain and tall.”  With Sarah quickly becoming part of the family, Anna and Caleb worry that she will leave when the month is up and return to Maine.

OPINION:

This book is a simple story about a widowed father and his search for a wife and mother to his children.  I enjoyed reading a book that does not have a lot of drama, but still conveys the emotions of the characters.  I especially liked the realistic way the children were portrayed as they inquired about various aspects of Sarah’s life.  With Anna not having a mother for many years and Caleb having no memory of one, their need of a mother is palpable.  The worry they feel when Sarah goes into town is heartbreaking because I hoped along with them that she would return.  The story may be a little bland for children in the older tween range that expect adventure and drama in their novels, but its position as a classic may interest some.

IDEAS:

This novel would fit in a library display of Newbery Award winners, as well as a display of classic children’s literature.  Also, it could be placed in a display dedicated to literature about blended families.