A Humble Life: Plain Poems

by Linda Oatman High, Bill Farnsworth (Illustrator)

In this new collection of poems, young readers experience a year in the lives of Plain People -- people in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Each season brings its own joys and challenges, yet it is the Plain People's trust in God and vision for how they should live that make their lives rich and satisfying.Beautifully illustrated, A Humble Lift captures with warmth and appreciation the way of life and community strength of these unique groups of people.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exquisite collection of Amish poetry for young and old--makes one think twice about paying a visit to the Mennonite communities of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. A Humble Life celebrates a year in the lives of Plain People and it does it in a thoroughly enjoyable, colorful and un-plain book. The watercolor drawings which accompany each poem would be 'impossibly difficult' or so the artists in my family assure me; I just know they invite one into the scene--each is a work of art unto itself. The unstructured or free verse poems look much like prose but have enough rhyme to make them fun to read/hear aloud. There's even a touch of subtle humor for the adult or perceptive child to notice and savor.

Another gem I picked up at a used book sale.

All in all, a poetical delight! Highly recommended!

[Daniel Barrows · Rating 2 out of 5]

The poems won't interest children. They're long and lack the pop of rhythm or noises that children like. The pictures are nice, and the subject of everyday life is pleasant for adults. However, it's remarkably mundane. There is a description of ice skating. You won't learn much about crafts or the culture of plain people.

[Danni]

Poetry
A collection of poems about the simple lives led by the Pennsylvania Mennonite and Amish communities. Beautifully woven tales and captivating illustrations suggest to the reader there is beauty in the simplicity of life if we take the time to find it.

[Mary Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Response: I really enjoyed this book. The simple yet creative poems really gave me a clear picture into the lives of Plain People. I like how the author wrote a few poems about the common happenings within each season of the year.

Teaching Implication: This book can have many implications. It can be used when studying about the different seasons and it also can be used to teach the children how another group of people live. One way that I would love to use this book would be as a compare and contrast activity. The children could take each poem and make a chart comparing and contrasting the differences in the way they live compared to the Plain People. I have always been fascinated by the Amish and maybe this activity will bring some culture to the children as well.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

poems: simple farm life