Raising Yoder's Barn

by Jane Yolen

Eight-year-old Matthew tells what happens when a fire destroys the barn on his family's farm and all the Amish neighbors come to see how they can help.

Genres: Picture Books, Realistic Fiction, Amish, Historical Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an Amish family's barn burns down in a storm, all their neighbors come together to build a new barn in a single day. The eight-year-old protagonist's desire to be helpful to his family and take his place within his community carry this poignant story. A bit wordy by modern picture book standards, but the words feel necessary and serve the story well. Both the text and the paintings convey the hard-working nature and tight sense of community among the Amish culture. A half-page author's note at the back of the book describes this further. A memorable story coupled with beautiful art containing many details that can be revisited and serve as the basis for discussion of a lifestyle very different from most people's.

[Shannon McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting picture book that teaches children about Amish life. On one Amish farm, a stroke of lightning hits the barn, and it burns to the ground. The next day, the whole Amish community gets together to raise (build) a new barn. The are so orderly and prepared that it makes on wonder, how often does a barn burn down? It is an educational book for kids that shows a community coming together to help each other.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story carried along by wonderful illustration, telling about a young boy growing up and the value of a barn and a community to the Amish farmer. Fuchs' oil paintings shine as they capture emotion, light, and bodies straining and at rest.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely luminous story-filled paintings bring depth to the simple telling of people caring for one another in practical ways.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant descriptive picture book about cooperative work in a small Amish community.

[Capt. H. Hornblower Of His Majesty’s Navy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent story that tells of an Amish people coming together after a barn fire to rebuild it. The central character is a boy who wants to work but doesn’t know how. The head foreman takes him under his wing to relay instruction to the rest of the men. The boy is ecstatic to be given such a prestigious task, and when the work is done, he looks forward to his work on the farm next Harvest.

The painted illustrations are probably the best part of the book, but I always enjoy books with good moral resolutions too.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Barns come first on a proper Amish farm, even before the house.”

When the Yoder family loses its barn to fire, the Amish community comes together to build them a new barn.

This would make a great mentor text for figurative writing.

[Kimberly Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book, all around.

[Syntha Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yolen has such a way with words

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent prose with very nice pictures.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish community comes together to replace a neighbor's barn. The artwork by Bernie Fuchs is simply stunning.



My only question is if they can raise an entire barn in one day, why did it take two and a half weeks for some Amish workmen to put a new roof on my neighbor's house?

[Kris Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when an Amish owned barn is struck by lightning and burns down. Everyone comes out, and in 1 day raises a new barn. Barn raising still goes on today in the Amish community.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of an Amish barn-raising. Wonderful illustrations, wonderful words.

[Evanmazellan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of community. I think the Amish have got it right. Great artwork as well.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is the story wonderful but the illustrations are amazing.