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| MacLachlan, P. (1985). Sarah, plain and tall. New York: Harper & Row. |
Sarah, Plain and Tall
By Patricia McLachlan
Harper & Row
New York, New York
1985
96 pages
Winner of the 1986 Newbery Medal, the 1986 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and the 1986 Golden Kite Award
Anna and Caleb live on the Kansas prairie with their papa. Their mother died from childbirth complications, and their house no longer feels like home now that Papa doesn't sing anymore. Papa puts an ad in the newspaper for a wife and mother. That's when Sarah comes from Maine to see if she and Papa might be compatible. She is, as the title suggests, plain and tall. Anna and Caleb wonder if they'll like her - will she sing? Will she stay? Sarah may be plain, but she is inwardly beautiful and brings lots of lovable qualities including patience, joy, and fun. She adapts to her new situation and Anna and Caleb fall more in love with Sarah every day, hoping that Papa will, too.
This story, set in 1910 on the Kansas frontier, is simple but moving. It teaches lessons in loss and love and is a perfect short and simple book for early chapter book readers. Purchase the book here.
Watch the 1991 movie adaptation!
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