Caleb's Story (Sarah, Plain and Tall, 3)

From Publishers Weekly Taking over the reins from his sister Anna, who narrated Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark, Caleb describes the event in this heartwarming third installment, in which Jacob is reunited with his father. As the novel opens, readers meet Cassie, the baby whom Sarah carries in Skylark; the country is at war in Europe; and Anna leaves home to work for a doctor in town and gives Caleb the responsibility of recording the family events. While Jacob drives his older daughter to town, Cassie spots a man on the property. Thinking it's one of Cassie's imaginary friends, Caleb ignores her until he sees the man for himself. When Jacob returns, the mystery of the man's identity is revealed, and wounds from the past begin to slowly heal. In an uplifting subplot, Caleb discovers why Jacob's father did not correspond with his son all the years he was away and begins to set things right. The narrative cribs liberally from Anna's entries in Skylark, but fans of the first two books will enjoy learning more about this resourceful and loving family. Ages 8-10. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Gr 4-6-In this third book in the series begun in Sarah, Plain and Tall (HarperCollins, 1985), Caleb is given the responsibility of writing down everything that happens on the farm now that his older sister Anna has gone to live in town to finish school. At first, he thinks there will be nothing to write about, but when an old man appears in the middle of winter, the family's quiet life is suddenly disrupted. The stranger turns out to be Caleb's grandfather, who left when the boy's father, Jacob, was young. While Jacob allows him to stay, he refuses to forgive or even speak to the man. Caleb slowly realizes that his grandfather is illiterate, and he teaches him how to read and write. It takes his efforts and a near-tragedy to reconcile the differences between the men. Readers who are new to the Witting family will quickly become acquainted with the events of the past through the excerpts of Anna's journals that Caleb shares with his grandfather. Despite some heavy elements, MacLachlan manages to provide some lighter moments and humor through Cassie, the baby who was about to be born at the end of Skylark (HarperCollins, 1994), and who is now a lively and inquisitive child. This is an excellent work of historical fiction, a satisfying sequel, and an inspiring tale about love and forgiveness. Ashley Larsen, Woodside Library, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Gr. 3-5. This third installment in the Sarah Plain and Tall (1985) series is a novelization of MacLachlan's 1999 television screenplay, "Winter's End." The time is 1918, and Anna has moved to town to finish high school, leaving Caleb to record the family saga. When a stranger appears at the farm, Sarah invites him inside and learns that he is John Witting, Jacob's father, who abandoned his family many years before. As Caleb and Cassie get to know their grandfather, Sarah tries unsuccessfully to broker reconciliation between the two men. Finally, Caleb discovers the reason behind some of the friction (Grandfather, who is illiterate, wasn't able to write to Jacob after he left), paving the way for forgiveness and new understanding. MacLachlan's spare yet elegant prose conveys the deep feelings of the characters as they work through a difficult time. Four-year-old Cassie, Sarah and Jacob's daughter, brings a certain innocence to the story and helps the drama stay focused on the child's point of view. Series fans will welcome this, but it's also a solid offering that can stand on its own. Kay Weisman Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved “MacLachlan’s appreciative readers will savor this new addition to the chronicle of a delightful family.” — Kirkus (Starred Review) “This is an excellent work of historical fiction, a satisfying sequel, and an inspiring tale about love and forgiveness.” — School Library Journal “Spare yet elegant prose.” — ALA Booklist “A welcome continuation of a well-loved story.” — The Horn Book “Heartwarming. Fans will enjoy learning more about this loving family.” — Publishers Weekly Anna has done something terrible. She has given me her journal to fill. In Anna's journal the words walk across the page like bird prints in the mud. But it is hard for me. It is hard for me to find things to write about. "It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. But that is before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn and everything changes. Everyone is excited about the arrival of a new family member -- except for Jacob, who holds a bitter grudge. Only the special love of Caleb, and the gift he offers, can help to mend the pain of the past. Caleb's Story continues the saga begun by the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain And Tall and its sequel, Skylark, spinning a tale of love, forgiveness, and the ties that bind a family together. Patricia MacLachlan (1938-2022) was the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall , winner of the Newbery Medal. She was also the author of many beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily. Read more