Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan is a sweet, early reader that tells the story of a father and his two children living on the prairie in the 19th century. The story is told from the perspective of the oldest child, Anna. She lives with her father, Jacob, and her younger brother, Caleb. The book deals with themes of loneliness as the family all live in the reality of loss. Anna’s mother had passed away some years earlier when Caleb was born. Caleb is the heart of the little family with his innocence that inspires insightful questions.

When Caleb asks his father why he doesn’t sing since the death of his mother, Jacob responds by telling them that he has advertised for a wife from back east. The children are excited, but also apprehensive as they begin to correspond with the woman who answered Jacob’s ad, Sarah. Sarah is from Maine and when she comes to stay for a trial period, they quickly learn that Sarah is a woman who speaks her own mind, does things her own way, and who brings music back into their home. The book recounts stories of how they all get to know each other and learn from one another. Anna and Caleb want desperately for Sarah to stay and be their mother, but they see that she misses her home and the sea. In the end, Sarah does choose to stay with the family that has stolen her heart and she brings a bit of the sea along with her while making the rooms of their home ring with music once again.

Reading Level: 8-12
Read Aloud Age: 5+

Sarah, Plain and Tall covers themes of loss, loneliness, and family in a simple, but poignant way that will stick with each reader. The topic of death is a key element to the story, but is not one that is used to generate fear. This is a beautifully told story where family is the key focus and has positive messages about family all set against the backdrop of a simple farm in the rustic prairie.

This is a classic, appropriate for both girls and boys to read. It’s a tender story that addresses heavy topics gently and through the perspective of a child. It also has a positive view of a strong female character who speaks her mind, but is also kind and caring. It is a surprising joy to read about a headstrong woman who is finding fulfillment and happiness in being a valued part of a family. The background work of life on a farm also emphasizes the power of a good work ethic and how families are able to work together as a team. Sarah, Plain and Tall won the Newbery Medal in 1986.

Questionable behavior: The older sister lightly teases her younger brother about looking funny when he was born, but no feelings are hurt and it’s one of a few moments of good-natured teasing.

Sexual content: The story does involve an unmarried woman staying for a time with the family, which includes an unmarried man, but there are no moments that even hint at any inappropriate actions.

Other things to know: As mentioned, death is a silent, but key part of the story. The death of the mother does not happen in the recorded story, but is mentioned and is a driving force in the book. There is also the death of an animal on the farm in the story and the characters grieve the loss.

This review is written by contributor, Anna. To learn more about Anna, click HERE.

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