Sarah. Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan 🟌🟌🟌🟌🟌

Anna and Caleb’s father, a widower, is looking for a wife. The Wittings live on the prairie in the late 19th century. Papa has put an advertisement in the newspaper and Sara Elisabeth Wheaton from Maine has agreed to visit the prairie family. Sarah arrives by train and writes to Papa that she “will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall.” As Sarah develops a relationship with the family they question if she will stay? Or does she miss the sea so much that she returns to Maine?

“Sarah, Plain and Tall” is a classic children’s book. The writing style of this historical fiction is simple and easy to read. The story is told from the point of view of Anna and Caleb. It is heartbreaking to read how much the children want Sarah to stay with them. They want both a mother and a wife for Papa so the family will sing again. This tender story is a must for the grandchildren.

Published In: Harper Trophy
Published:1987
Age Level: 8-10 years
AR Level: 3.4
Pages: 58
Stars: 5
Series: Sarah, Plain and Tall – 5 Books in the Series
Awards: 1986 Newbery Medal & 1986 O’Dell Award