Sarah, Plain and Tall

"Sarah, Plain and Tall" is the first in a series of books about the Witting family. In this book we are introduced to Jacob Witting and his two children, Anna and Caleb. Jacob's wife had died several years earlier, after giving birth to Caleb. Because he is lonely Jacob decides to advertise for a mail order bride. The family is very excited when they receive a letter written by a woman from Maine, named Sarah. She describes herself as plain and tall. Sarah offers to come out to the farm for a visit, to see if they will like each other, and arrives soon afterwards.
The children find themselves liking Sarah very much. She fills a void in their life that neither Anna nor Caleb realized they had. She does all the motherly things for the children, but goes above and beyond in their opinion. She teaches the children to swim, and she tells them stories about Maine and her life there. Little by little, she moves into their hearts.
But Sarah was lonely for Maine. Caleb and Anna worry that maybe they aren't enough to overcome that loneliness. In the end, they learn about overcoming sadness and loss.
Patricia MacLachlan, who wrote this book, lost both her parents at an early age. Consequently her writing is greatly influenced by adoptions and foster families. This particular book, written in 1986 won two awards for outstanding writing, including the Newberry award.
"Sarah Plain and Tall" was made into both a made for TV movie, and a stage show. It is a wonderful story for girls and boys around the age of 8-10.  It shows what life was like to live on the plains in the late 1800's.
It's a short book, but an enjoyable one. Someday different to read on a snowy winters day. I promise that when you do you'll want to read the rest.
Check out "Sarah Plain and Tall" at your library. You'll be glad you did!