Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan

Review of Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan From School Library Journal

Glenn Close narrates Patricia MacLachlan's beautiful novels on this fine audio collection. Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of Sarah, who came from Maine to answer Jacob's advertisement for a wife and mother, all from the point of view of young Anna. The classic story continues in Skylark, as Anna and her brother, Caleb, must travel with their new mother, Sarah, to Maine when a terrible drought threatens their home. Caleb picks up the story several years later in Caleb's Story, telling of the return of his grandfather, who had abandoned the family when Caleb's father was a young boy. Close, who played the role of Sarah in the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of the first book, creates distinct voices for each character without ever resorting to theatrics. Anna and Caleb's voices mature as listeners progress through the stories, and Close's carefully unobtrusive narration showcases MacLachlan's simple yet poetic words. An interview with Patricia MacLachlan at the end of the collection gives students more information about the author's life and writing process, and about the real-life inspiration for Sarah. A beautiful collusion of an excellent story with a perfect narrator, and a treat for all listeners. Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia
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I remember reading this book when I was about 9. I remember thinking that I wish my dad would find a new wife like Sarah. Strong, outspoken, and talented in many ways. I also remember the book being much longer! It was actually a pretty short story and I still loved it as I did when I was little. I do think it would take a pretty avid young reader to e interested in this book. It would also appeal to mainly girls. I do think I would keep it in the library, but I am not sure I would order it for a library that did not have it yet.