Childrens Book Reading Extravaganza 2010: Novel #90

Okay people, this one is a good one.  A real good one.  So good, in fact, that Mrs. Mimi read the entire thing in about 30 minutes after a late night feeding of Mini Mimi. 

I mean, if that’s not an endorsement, I don’t know what is.  I’ll let you know when they call me to do a commercial. 

Number 90 is Sarah, Plain and Tall  by Patricia MacLachlan.   Can you say Newberry Winner??  What, what!

Sarah, Plain and Tall

This book is fantastic. Classic, fantastic and a great read aloud!  I wish I had read it aloud to my second grade friends because they would have loved it!  The chapters are short enough, the story engaging enough and the language basic enough for friends of all ages to get into it.

Do I really need to summarize this one?  I will, because, honestly, while I have heard of this one and am sure I read it as a child, I totally forgot the story line.  Plus, I don’t want to get all elitist book-snob on your asses. Not cool, not cool.

So, there is a family of three, a dad and two kids.  The mom died in childbirth having the youngest but no worries, that is not really a part of the story.  Just necessary background.  One day, the dad writes a letter to a newspaper asking for a wife. 

Okay.  Let us pause for a moment. This story takes place a long time ago and evidently such actions did not result in a barrage of sex fiends and other crazies.  I do have to admit, however, that I did stop to picture what this sort of request, most likely posted on Craigslist or something, would sound like.  It wasn’t pretty, people.

Anyhow, a lovely woman named Sarah replies and joins the family.  The rest of the story is about Sarah getting to know the dad and two children.  They are nervous that she will be too homesick and want to go back to her own family in Maine, but ultimately they form a new sort of family.  Seriously, it’s a very sweet story.  And, perhaps best of all…Sarah, the main character is a strong independent woman who is not stereotypical of the times.  I know I’ve said it before, but I loves me a strong female character.  I say Sarah definitely deserves a cape. 

I mean, we’re talking I read this bad boy at like 3 a.m.  THREE O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING!  How bad can it be?

So, at 3:00a.m. this morning, picture me working on novel number 89.  If you want to read along (I suggest you do it at more rational hours), next up is Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary.

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5 Comments
  • So excited for Ramona and Her Father! It was my very first chapter book, given to me by my first grade teacher, and will always have a place in my heart.

    July 16, 2010 at 9:15 pm
  • OHHH Another one of my FAVORITES from growing ups. I am LOVING this list, bringing back SO many wonderful memories and making me want to buy SO many books for my kids. Barnsie should be sponsoring you!!!!

    July 16, 2010 at 9:15 pm
  • I didn't read in the middle of the night with my son, we watched Toy Story. I knew from where we were in the movie it was time to switch to the other side and when it was time to change the diaper and go back to bed. :o)

    July 17, 2010 at 10:59 am
  • Did you know there is a new movie out–Beezus and Ramona? I often read classic books to my kids when movies come out so they can see where it came from. So I think for the upcoming year our read alouds will be Ramona books (which I LOVE anyway). A fiesty girl with spunk and humor, what's not to love?

    July 17, 2010 at 10:15 pm
  • I am just back from a kid's lit symposium where I heard Patricia MacLachlan speak.

    I am delighted to report that she is quite sassy with the sarcastic comebacks (which I found a little unexpected as her books are pretty sentimental. Don't get me wrong, I love Sarah, P&T … and totally had her sign one to ME instead of to my teacher name because the 11 year old fan girl in me was so excited). But I thought it was pretty awesome. Made her presentation fun.

    July 20, 2010 at 10:09 pm

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