Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Winner of the 1985 Newbery Award, Patricia MacLachlan shares a beautifully written short historical fiction novel set in the nineteenth century. Anna and Caleb have been motherless since Caleb was born. Their father writes an advertisement for a mail-order bride to come be his wife and a mother for his children. They are delighted to learn there is a response from a young lady living in Maine. They return letters back and forth until finally it is set for her to come visit for one month. She describes herself as plain and tall. A great bond is developed but the children continue to fear she may miss the sea too much.
I think the cover is perfect for this story as it could have been a drawing done by Sarah.
This would be a great read-aloud to share with 3rd to 5th graders. A teaching extension idea would be for students to interview grandparents or older family friends about what it was like for them growing up. Sarah, Plain and Tall was the first book in a series which also includes, Skylark and Caleb's Story.
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