Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan is praised for its heartfelt storytelling and evocative descriptions. Readers appreciate its simple yet profound exploration of family, belonging, and resilience. Some critique its brevity and wish for deeper character development. Overall, it is a touching, memorable read particularly suited for young audiences.

Readers who enjoy heartwarming historical fiction will be captivated by Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan. Ideal for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie, this book appeals to those who appreciate tales of family, resilience, and gentle, evocative storytelling.

In Patricia MacLachlan's Sarah, Plain and Tall, set in the late 19th century on the American prairie, Anna and Caleb Whiting live with their father, Jacob, and dogs, Nick and Lottie, after their mother's death. Jacob places an ad for a new wife and receives a response from Sarah Wheaton, who moves from Maine to join the family. As Sarah adapts to life on the prairie, she and the family gradually bond and grow to love one another.

Heartwarming / Inspirational / Contemplative / Nostalgic / Bittersweet

- Patricia MacLachlan wrote Sarah, Plain and Tall inspired by her own family history, particularly the letters between her grandparents during their courtship.
- The book was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1986, recognizing it as the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.
- Sarah, Plain and Tall was adapted into a popular television movie in 1991, starring Glenn Close and Christopher Walken.

Patricia MacLachlan

Middle grade

Novel

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Sarah, Plain and Tall and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Sarah, Plain and Tall Summary and Study Guide

Background

Sarah, Plain and Tall Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Sarah, Plain and Tall Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Sarah, Plain and Tall Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Sarah, Plain and Tall Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Sarah, Plain and Tall Character Analysis

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Themes

Sarah, Plain and Tall Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Sarah, Plain and Tall Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Sarah, Plain and Tall Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Sarah, Plain and Tall Essay Topics

Sarah, Plain and Tall Teaching Unit

Introduction

Sarah, Plain and Tall Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Sarah, Plain and Tall Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Sarah, Plain and Tall Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Sarah, Plain and Tall Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Sarah, Plain and Tall Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Sarah, Plain and Tall Activities

Essay Questions

Sarah, Plain and Tall Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Sarah, Plain and Tall Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Sarah, Plain and Tall Exam Answer Key

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Sarah, Plain and Tall?

Reading Age

Book Details