Explore the Beautiful Story of Sarah, Plain and Tall: A Classic Tale by Patricia MacLachlan

“Sarah, Plain and Tall” by Patricia MacLachlan is a classic children’s book that captures the heart of readers both young and old. With its vivid descriptions of the prairie landscape and its characters’ emotional journeys, this timeless story is sure to remain a staple in the family library for generations to come. The narrative follows Sarah as she arrives in Kansas to marry Jacob, who has placed an advertisement for a wife. She quickly forms bonds with his two children, Anna and Caleb, as they face the challenges of life on the prairie together. Through this journey, they discover the importance of family, love, and friendship.

This book is perfect for readers of any age looking for a captivating story. MacLachlan’s writing style is simple yet powerful, making it easy to follow along while still conveying a deep message. Readers will be enchanted by the beautiful illustrations that add dimension to the story. Themes such as courage, resilience, and hope are also explored throughout this tale.

Overall, Sarah, Plain and Tall is an inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Read on to find out why this book should be part of your family library!

Sarah, Plain and Tall Review

Guides100 Logo
Sarah, Plain and Tall is an unforgettable classic story about family and belonging. Written by Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachan, Sarah, Plain and Tall is a beloved tale of hope, courage, and love. Key Features:

  1. The story of a young girl who travels from Maine to Kansas to meet her new stepfather.
  2. A heartwarming tale of acceptance and understanding between two families.
  3. Patricia MacLachlan’s beautiful writing style brings this timeless story to life.
  4. Winner of the 1985 Newbery medal.

When Sarah arrives on the prairie, she is like a breath of fresh air for Jacob Witting and his children Anna and Caleb. The three have been living alone since their mother passed away. With Sarah’s kind-hearted nature and quiet strength, she soon wins over the hearts of Jacob and the children. Through the hot summer days they plant crops, make music together, take care of their animals, and even go swimming in the lake. As time passes, Sarah and Jacob’s friendship blossoms into something more special. Sarah, Plain and Tall is an inspiring and touching story about adapting to change and finding joy in life’s little moments. It’s a beautiful reminder of how love can bring people together no matter where they come from or what their circumstances may be.

Product Details

Product Title Sarah, Plain and Tall
Author Patricia MacLachlan
Publication Date February 23, 2016
ISBN 0062399527
Publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books
Format Hardcover & Kindle Edition
Number of Pages 80 pages

Sarah, Plain and Tall Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
Sarah, Plain and Tall is an emotional classic that captures the power of love in a remarkable way. Written by Patricia MacLachlan, this poignant story is set in the late 19th century and follows the journey of Sarah, who moves from Maine to Kansas to become the new wife and mother of two children. The prose is beautiful, the characters are memorable and the themes of family, hope, and resilience will remain with readers long after they’ve finished the book. Additionally, this Newbery Medal-winning novel contains a gentle lesson about accepting people for who they are, no matter their background or differences.

2. Cons:
Sadly, Sarah, Plain and Tall does have some drawbacks. It’s an old-fashioned tale that may feel too slow for some modern readers. Furthermore, its rural setting may not be interesting to those accustomed to urban life. Lastly, some of the language used in the book can be challenging for young readers to understand.

Who are They for

When it comes to children’s classics, Sarah, Plain and Tall, by Patricia MacLachlan, is one of the most beloved. This timeless story of a family’s longing for love and companionship has been captivating readers since 1985.

Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of Anna, Caleb and their father Jacob, who live together on the wide-open prairie. After their mother died, they had been left to fend for themselves until Sarah comes into their lives. Sarah is a tall woman from Maine who answers Jacob’s advertisement for a wife and mother. Despite her initial reluctance to move so far away from home, Sarah eventually grows to love the family and finds her place in their lives.

This heartwarming tale is sure to tug at your heartstrings as you witness the growth and transformation of each character along their journey. Readers will be inspired by the strength of this family’s bond as they learn how to accept one another with open arms and build a new life together.

Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah, Plain and Tall is an unforgettable story about hope, acceptance and discovering what truly matters in life. Whether you are revisiting this classic story or reading it for the first time, you will be mesmerized by its beauty and charm.

My Experience for Sarah, Plain and Tall

Lloyd Kaufman

I was feeling pretty down in the dumps until I found Sarah, Plain and Tall. It changed everything.

Before I started reading, I had a hard time finding stories that could make me laugh, cry and feel connected to the characters. But Sarah, Plain and Tall did all of that and more.

The story starts with Sarah coming to a family’s farm in Kansas to answer an ad for a wife and mother. From there, she embarks on an incredible journey with her new family as they learn how to open their hearts and accept each other despite their differences.

Not only is the story incredibly touching and thought-provoking, it is also full of humor. The author does an amazing job making even the most mundane moments come alive with laughter and joy.

Perhaps best of all, Sarah, Plain and Tall has something for everyone. Whether you’re a child or an adult, you’ll be able to find something special in its pages. It’s the perfect book to pick up when you need a little reminder that life can still be beautiful no matter what challenges you face.

 

What I don’t Like

1.Slow-paced plot: The story of Sarah, Plain and Tall moves slowly and lacks the excitement of a more action-packed narrative.

2.Sentimental: Some readers may find the story and its characters overly sentimental.

3.No surprises: The book follows a predictable course with few unexpected moments or plot twists.

4. Focused on relationships: The main focus is on the relationships between the characters, and there is little exploration of other aspects of life in this time period.

5. Limited character development: Characters in Sarah, Plain and Tall are not fully developed or explored in depth.

How to Enjoy a Beautiful Story with Sarah, Plain and Tall

Are you looking for an enjoyable and meaningful story that your family can read together? Look no further than Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan! This Newbery Medal-winning book is perfect for all ages, as it tells the tale of a brave young girl who moves in with her new stepfather and his two sons.

Step 1: Gather the Family

Invite your family to come together to read Sarah, Plain and Tall. Choose a comfortable spot in your home, like on the couch or around the kitchen table. Don’t forget to bring snacks!

Step 2: Read Aloud

Start reading aloud from Sarah, Plain and Tall. As you read, encourage everyone to join in on the dialogue when appropriate – it’s fun for the whole family!

Step 3: Make Connections

As you read, encourage everyone to make connections between Sarah’s life and their own. Talk about what they would do in similar situations or how they might feel if they were in Sarah’s shoes.

Step 4: Discuss Questions

Throughout the story, ask questions to help engage everyone in discussion. For example, “What do you think Sarah should do next?” or “Why do you think Jacob has been so quiet lately?”

At the end of each chapter, take time to discuss what happened and how it could have been prevented or handled differently. Doing this encourages critical thinking skills that will benefit everyone!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Finally, enjoy reading this uplifting story together! With its simple yet powerful themes of belonging and acceptance, Sarah, Plain and Tall, is sure to be a hit with everyone in your family.

Questions about Sarah, Plain and Tall

 

What is Sarah, Plain and Tall about?

Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of a family from Maine in the early 1900s. When their father places an advertisement for a wife to help with the farm and family, Sarah arrives from Pennsylvania to answer the call. The story follows Sarah’s journey as she learns to fit into her new home and eventually becomes a part of the family.

What age group is Sarah, Plain and Tall intended for?

Sarah, Plain and Tall is appropriate for readers of all ages. It is particularly recommended for children aged 8-12 who are interested in stories about family life in rural America during the early 1900s.

What kind of themes are explored in Sarah, Plain and Tall?

Sarah, Plain and Tall explores themes such as love, loss, acceptance and resilience. It also touches on topics such as immigration, family dynamics and life on a farm. These themes are presented in a gentle yet powerful manner that will captivate readers of all ages.

Does Sarah, Plain and Tall have any sequels or companion books?

Yes! The book has spawned several sequels and companion books including Skylark (1993), Caleb’s Story (1994), More Perfect than the Moon (2004) and Grandfather’s Dance (2005). All these titles feature characters from Sarah, Plain and Tall and explore similar themes.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

Leave a Comment