Bibliography:
MacLachlan, P.(1985). Sarah, Plain and Tall. New York: HarperCollins.
Book Summary
This book is about a family who lost their mother and the father orders a mail order bride. The little boy, Caleb, doesn’t remember his mom who died a day after he was born but his dad and sister have told him so much about her. He misses her from all the stories they tell about her. The entire family misses her and papa doesn’t sing anymore. Sarah, from Main, comes for a trial run to see if she will like the family and stay with them. The children like her and they hope she will stay. Although Sarah misses the ocean and all its colors, Sarah decides to stay with the family. Her brother has recently married and it is time for her to move on and make her own home.
My Impression
This story is heartwarming and full of suspense as the reader watches to see what choice Sarah will make. The language is simple and kids can follow along easily. The plot is well developed and events follow along sequentially. The characters are well developed. Their inner thoughts help the reader to understand some of their actions. It is easy to understand why Caleb and the rest of the family are desperately hoping that Sarah will stay. It must have been hard for a family to survive without a mother during this time period. I found Sarah to be a no nonsense woman. She describes herself as “plain and tall”, she has no illusions and is ready to tackle whatever comes her way, even those things that women would perhaps have shied away from such as fixing the roof and learning how to handle a horse carriage. The language is simple and the dialog is direct. “"I will come by train. I will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall." The themes, hope, love and family is universal.
Reviews
School Library Journal:
A book that is filled with wisdom, gentle humor and the practical concerns necessary for a satisfying life. Terse writing and poetic rhythm flow to create a tender story about the fragile beginnings of a family relationship on its way to permanence. . . . Through a simple sentence or phrase, aspects of each character's personality--strength, stubbornness, a sense of humor--are brought to light. Refreshingly, this novel portrays children as receptive to the love, nurturing and attention that a step-parent can offer--and the willingness to return the affection. Throughout the story, MacLachlan weaves in the colors of the prairie as the seasons pass. Readers will hold their breaths with Anna and Caleb, wondering if indeed Sarah will stay, and breathe a sigh of relief when she does. A short but moving book that is anything but plain--for those who prefer quality to quantity. Review of Sarah, plain and tall.
Use in a Library Setting
Have children identify at least three vocabularies from every chapter and use each vocabulary in a sentence.
References/citations:
Book image from Barnes and Noble at:
Jones, T. (1985). Sarah, plain and tall (Book Review). School Library Journal. 31, 92.