Sarah, Plain and Tall
What's This Book About
This beloved Newbery Medal–winning book is the first of five books in Patricia MacLachlan’s chapter book series about the Witting family. Set in the late nineteenth century and told from young Anna’s point of view, Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of how Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton comes from Maine to the prairie to answer Papa’s advertisement for a wife and mother. Before Sarah arrives, Anna and her younger brother Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she sing? Will she stay? This children’s literature classic is perfect for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books, historical fiction, and timeless stories using rich and beautiful language. Sarah, Plain and Tall gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love. This anniversary edition includes author Patricia MacLachlan’s Newbery speech, a discussion guide, and a reading list. Read the rest of the Sarah books by Patricia MacLachlan: Skylark, Caleb’s Story, More Perfect than the Moon, and Grandfather’s Dance.
What Kind of Book is Sarah, Plain and Tall
What Questions Should I Ask My Child
- If you had to write a letter, like Caleb and Anna, to someone who might be coming to live with your family, what would you want to know about this person?
- Of all the nice things Sarah does for her new family, what do you think is the kindest?
- Of all the nice things Papa does for Sarah, which do you think is the kindest?
- Why doesn't Caleb want Papa to teach Sarah to drive the wagon by herself? Why is he afraid?
Reviews
A little "plain," but in a sweet, simple, endearing way. This short story takes a look inside the life of two children hoping for a new mother.
Book Lists That Include This Book
The Creative Behind the Book
Patricia MacLachlan is a versatile and prolific author whose titles range from picture books to novels, including the Newbery Medal–winning Sarah, Plain and Tall. Barkus was inspired by the imagined adventures of her neighbor’s dog. She lives in Massachusetts
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9780062399526
- Publication Date
- March 3, 2015
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Original Publication Date
- April 25, 1985
- Page Count
- 112
- Word Count
- 8388
- Audience
- Juvenile Reader
- Reading Age
- 6 - 10 years
- Lib. of Congress (LCCN)
- 83049481
- WorldCat Number (OCLC)
- 910615547
- Lexile® Level
- 560L
- Scholastic Level
- R
- Est. Fountas & Pinnell Level
- ~N
- ATOS® Book Level
- 3.4
- Accelerated Reader® Points
- 1
- Accelerated Reader Quiz
- 137
- Accelerated Reader Interest Level
- MG
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