Sarah, Plain and Tall: A Newbery Award Winner (Sarah, Plain and Tall, 1)
#1 of 5 in Sarah, Plain and Tall Series
on Goodreads (131)
What’s inside...
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. Read the rest of the Sarah books by Patricia MacLachlan: Skylark, Caleb's Story, More Perfect than the Moon, and Grandfather's Dance.
Character compass
Sarah Wheaton
Anna Witting
Jacob Witting
Caleb Witting
Discussion points
How do you think Sarah felt when she arrived at the farm, and why?
What qualities do you admire in Sarah and why?
How did Caleb and Anna's feelings about Sarah change throughout the story?
In what ways do the characters in the book show courage and kindness?
What does 'family' mean to you after reading this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Sarah’s shoes and explore her feelings about moving to a new place.
Discuss the qualities that make Sarah a likable and strong character, linking them to real-life virtues.
Help your child identify and express changes in emotions of Caleb and Anna as the story progresses.
Highlight the acts of courage and kindness in the story, asking your child to give examples of similar behaviors they have observed or demonstrated.
Wrap up your discussion by reflecting on the meaning of family and belonging, ensuring a deeper connection with the core theme of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: Sarah moves from Maine to the prairie to join a new family, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in unfamiliar surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change and navigate new environments, whether moving to a new school or trying out a new activity.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sarah and her new family learn to communicate their feelings and thoughts, which strengthens their relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves and discuss their emotions with family and peers, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of family and belonging
Explanation: The narrative illustrates how Sarah and the children develop a sense of family and belonging, showing that family can be formed in various ways.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate the diverse forms of family structures and the importance of creating bonds based on love and respect.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: Sarah and the children learn to understand each other's backgrounds and experiences, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Helps children to develop empathy by encouraging them to consider and respect different perspectives and life experiences.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Sarah exhibits courage when she decides to leave her coastal home to join a new family in a completely different environment.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to face new challenges with bravery, understanding that growth often comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.