Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan is an anniversary edition published by HarperCollins on March 3, 2015. This 112-page book, written in English, is the first in a series about the Witting family, set in the late nineteenth century. The story is narrated from the perspective of young Anna, who recounts the arrival of Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton from Maine, responding to her father’s advertisement for a wife and mother. As Anna and her brother Caleb await Sarah’s arrival, they are filled with questions about her character and whether she will choose to stay with them.

Readers will find a gentle exploration of themes such as family dynamics, blended families, and farm life. The narrative delves into Anna and Caleb’s hopes and fears regarding Sarah, addressing feelings of abandonment and the longing for connection. This edition also includes Patricia MacLachlan’s Newbery speech, a discussion guide, and a reading list, enriching the experience for both new readers and those familiar with this classic of juvenile fiction.