Skylark

Sarah, Plain and Tall #2

by Patricia MacLachlan

Sequel to the Newberry Medal winner "Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Middle Grade, Classics, Audiobook

86 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Patricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new life is not without its hardships. As Sarah recalls the greener landscapes of Maine, the drought teaches her that the dry and dusty Kansas prairies offer a bright future of their own.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall. I think this book brings out my own biases. I dream of living in the Northeast and Sarah is from Maine. There is a draught on the plains so fierce that everything is burning up and there is no water. Sarah takes the kids to Maine while Papa stays to care for the farm. See, I would have said, that's it, this is our reason to move to Maine. Sarah goes back to the plains. Simply not my part of the world.

Patricia has nice characterization. The draught storyline made good story telling and I'm sure it happened. A town can dry up. What would that be like to run out of water in your well or the river run dry. Scary!

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5 stars

If it’s even possible, I enjoyed this sequel more than the first book and that was a really nice book too. It made my heart pound living through this dry spell they loved through. There was nothing anyone could do during this time except live as best they can. Seeing the differences between Maine and Kansas was nice as the kids had never traveled or been apart from their father. It made me happy knowing that at this time “distance does make the heart grow fonder.” I had no idea that there was a series about this family when I first started reading “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” but now that I know I am determined to read the entire series. I was nervous when I started “Skylark” since I had heard nothing about it.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 2 out of 5]

We have a proverb in Spain that says, "Second parts are never as good." I'm afraid that is true in this case. I loved Sarah, Plain and Tall, but Skylark is a letdown. After the luminous homelike comfort of the first book, this was choppy, angry and bleah; less "after the honeymoon" and more "the morning after," hangover and all. Nobody's happy; even when the kids get to a cool green place they don't enjoy it much because they want to be back home, which they were dying to leave because of the drought. (Yes I know why. But it doesn't make for an enjoyable read.) The choppy style that jumped back and forth in time and place didn't help a bit.

When I read about Papa advertising for a wife and Sarah wearing a bonnet in Sarah 1, I mentally placed the book much farther back in the past than it was. I was thinking, you know, 1880s or something. Suddenly wham! there are automobiles and--skinny dipping? By the maiden aunts? In Maine?

oooookaaaay.....
I know MacLachlan's output is uneven (see her take on the Boxcar Children---shudder!), but this was just...eh. If it hadn't been so short, I wouldn't have finished it at all. As it was, it left a sour taste in my mouth.
I hope the next one is better or I'm outta here.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Oh, what a lovely sequel to ‘Sarah, Plain & Tall’! As before, it was poetical and beautiful and simple and timeless, and for all ages. There was one section where an older lady invites a young boy to come skinny-dipping with her, so that needs some editing & removes a star; but otherwise, it was just lovely. I really liked getting to know Sarah’s family!

A Favourite Quote: “‘Yes, I loved your Papa’s letters,’ said Sarah softly. ‘I loved what was between the lines most.’
“‘What was between the lines?’ Caleb asked….
“‘His life,’ [Sarah] said simply….
“‘Papa’s not always good with words,’ I said.
“‘Sometimes, yes,’ said Sarah, laughing. ‘But when I read your Papa’s letters, I could see this farm, and the animals and the sky. And you. Sometimes, what people choose to write down on paper is more important than what they say.’”

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall. In this follow-up story, the Witting family experiences a terrible drought, and Sarah is forced to take Anna and Caleb to visit her family in Maine until rain comes on the prairie again. Another understated, yet beautiful historical tale for children.

[Margot Meanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across the stories thanks to Hallmark. I enjoy the movies. they keep the poetic, lovely language that I love in the stories. I like Skylark as one of best parts because it is an important part for Sarah. To feel at home, feel where she belongs . I loved how the writer developed it. To me the whole series feels integral whole and that's why I enjoy it.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice sequel that I am not sure that I ever read. The setting of the prairie reminds of the Little House series which I loved as a child. Sarah and her family are charming. It is nice to read a simple, gentle story on a dreary winter's day.

[Mariangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series. The year after Sarah’s marriage there is a long drought and several of their neighbors end up leaving. But Sarah insists that they should stay in their land.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I highly recommend it. The setting in Maine (for this book) is much preferable to me than the previous setting on the prairie. Beautifully described. I'd like to hang out with Sarah and her aunts some time. This is the sequel to Sarah Plain and Tall. We grow to see what a strong woman Sarah is in the first book. This one gives us her roots and enough background to see how she develops into that woman. Her love for these two children that are not her own is fierce. Some choices have to be made. And it's quite a story kids and adults can both enjoy,

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I had never read Patricia MacLachlan's Skylark until today. I have loved Sarah, Plain and Tall, for years. There is something amazing about MacLachlan's style. This book left me feeling like I could cry from the beauty of the story and the tender style of writing. I read it in about 45 minutes and enjoyed each word.

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn't enjoy it at all. I found it boring and depressing. Sarah, Plain and Tall was a pretty good book ... but Skylark was a disappointment. Not worth the read.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this episode of the Sarah, Plain and Tall series, Sarah has married the children's father and settled in. Then comes a drought. So bad, people all over are leaving their farms.

Sarah helps Jacob with everything she can as the water levels drop and crops fail. Eventually, the seaside town Sarah misses so very much becomes a place she and the children must go.

What a wonderful character Sarah is, and what a pleasure to read this. Looking forward to diving into the rest, and whatever Ms. MacLachlan writes. Clean and sweet.

I just wish I had known about these books when my boys were young.

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: In this second book of the series, we can see that "they didn't live forever happy" after the marriage. Sarah, the skylark of the title, finds it difficult to adapt herself to life on the prairie, especially when they must suffer a long dry spell.

ESPAÑOL: En el segundo libro de la serie, es evidente que después del matrimonio "no vivieron felices para siempre". Sarah, la alondra del título, encuentra difícil adaptarse a la vida en la pradera, especialmente cuando tienen que sufrir un largo período de sequía.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me this sequel is just as lovely as the first book in the series. In fact I might even like it more, with its vivid descriptions of the harshness of prairie life during a drought and how it affects the Witting family and their neighbors. I especially love the part of the story that takes place in Maine. MacLachlan paints such real pictures of Sarah's aunts and brother, and of the green, cool landscape that contrasts sharply with the parched prairie.

Glenn Close's reading of the audiobook was wonderful. She makes me want to watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie series again!

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Sarah, Plain and Tall as a kid, I was really excited to figure out there was a second one.
Living in Texas, I understand the desperate need for rain (Though not to the extent of them). I could understand the problem and the need of hope.
And those kids were adorable!

[Randy Tramp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah came to the prairie from Maine to marry Papa. That summer, a drought hit. So Sarah took Anna and Caleb back east, where they would be safe. Papa stayed behind. He would not leave his land. Maine was beautiful, but Anna missed home and Papa. And as the weeks went by, she began to wonder what would happen if the rains never came. Would she and Caleb and Sarah and Papa ever be a family again?

Good read, making history come alive.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely follow up to Sarah, Plain and Tall. I just feel so strongly for this family, I want to give them all hugs.

Full review to come.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sequel to Newbery award winning Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of the early pioneers who moved out west. Moving from Maine, Sarah becomes the mother and wife to a loving family. When severe draught hits, many leave because life is not sustainable. When things get exceedingly tough, Sarah and the two children temporarily move back to Maine. Embracing Sarah's family, but missing their father and the midwest, they long to return.

When rain falls and grass begins to green, Sarah's husband makes the long journey to Maine to reclaim his family.

While not one of her best, this is a touching story and holds the magic of MacLachlan's wonderful ability to paint clear, sharp images surrounded by a glow of a heartwarming story.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

October 30, 2012: I love rereading these books with Hallie. She has really enjoyed them.

May 29, 2010: I have always love this series, ever since Miss Bleazard read it to us in third grade. It's a great and very quick read. You can read the book faster than you can watch the movie. I don't know what it is about these books but I love them. They remind me of being young and make me feel at home.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the follow-up to Sarah, Plain and Tall. Sarah misses Maine, with the sea and the greenery. But now that she is married to Papa, she must write her name in the prairie soil and make it her home.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love children's books and no one can make me stop.

[Liz F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book with a happy ending! I'm enjoying this little series. :)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novel that introduces so many ideas about life and disappointment and love and fear and hope in a gentle way. Some of the depth may have gone over my kids’ heads, but they understood the heart of this lovely story. We also learned a lot about droughts and prairie life and the importance of water. This book sent us down a rabbit trail of learning about the Dust Bowl (even though this book doesn’t take place during that time period).

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seasonal depression, summer edition.

[Amrita · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was hardship and struggle in this. But if I could love the family in their happy times, I could not stop loving them in trying ones, could I?

[Merri Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel novel to Sarah, Plain and Tall. Just like in Sarah, Plain and Tall most of the action is told by Anna the daughter of Jacob and the step-daughter of Sarah Witting. The prairie has been good to the Wittings except for this summer. The prairie is going through a very dry spell. Because of this, many of the Witting's friends are having to move because there isn't enough water for them and for their animals. The Wittings are doing pretty good but the heat is starting to get to Sarah who is not from the prairie. She grew up by the sea so the heat and drought is very hard on her. She has kind of a melt down when she sees that coyotes are coming up the house to look for water. To lighten her mood and to celebrate her birthday, Jacob decides to have a birthday party for Sarah which does lighten her mood. One of her presents is a record player which Sarah loves because Jacob then dances with her. After the birthday, Jacob decides it is time to send his wife and children to Sarah's hometown for the rest of the summer and drought. Anna, Jacob and Sarah go to Maine where they see the sea and water. Anna and Jacob come to love Sarah's three Aunts and all their friends. Sarah is happy to see her family but she is really missing Jacob and so are the children because Maine isn't their home. After awhile, Sarah realizes that she doesn't love the sea like she used to because Jacob is not there. Jacob finally surprises Sarah and his children by coming to Maine himself to let them know the drought is over. It has finally rained. Sarah also has a surprised for Jacob. She is having his child. The Wittings return to the prairie and Sarah writes her name in the prairie dirt.
This is a great book to read because Patricia MacLachlan really makes the characters come alive. You get to know even more about the Witting family but you also get to meet Sarah's family and what they are like and how she was raised. Patricia writes so that it is interesting and you really get attached to each character and celebrate their happy moments with them. The writing is also big type so that it is a great book for first time chapter readers to read and enjoy. I also love that it is a historical novel so you get to see what that time period was like and the struggles that they had and overcame. I also liked that you get to see beloved characters again and how they have grown and become a real family. I also like that at the end of the book, the drought is over and Sarah finally has her dreams come true. She is going to have a child with Jacob. She still loves Anna and Jacob but she wants to add more children to their family to love.

[Kristi Drillien · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Sarah settles into her new home, the looming drought makes her miss her home in Maine more and more. The children, especially little Caleb, worry that this means Sarah won't be happy with them. The drought eventually poses enough danger, not just due to lack of water, but also due to fire outbreaks and thirsty coyotes, that Jacob sends his new wife and 2 children to Sarah's family in Maine while he stays to try to take care of the land.

After how much we both enjoyed the first book and subsequent movie-watching, my daughter and I both listened to the audiobook for the 2nd installment in the series, since it was narrated by Glenn Close, who played Sarah in the movies. I liked the second book as much as the first—it's sweet and emotional, and I'm surprised how attached I can get to characters in such a short story. The author's style of short, simple sentences makes the reading even quicker, but I never felt like it was lacking.

Caleb remains an incredibly curious and insightful little kid, as shown through the POV of his big sister. And I loved the juxtaposition of the Midwest and New England area, seen a little through Sarah's explanations in the first book, but shown more fully in this one. My daughter (age 11) and I really enjoyed listening to this book and look forward to watching the movie.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a (former) homeschooling mother, I remember seeing "Sarah, Plain and Tall" on many, many book lists. I never took the time to read it myself, nor read it to my children. So I finally decided to read it, and I discovered that it is a trilogy.

I've been surprised. These books are short, simplistic, predictable, and the characters lack any real depth. Sometimes you want to know more about what the adults are doing and thinking, but then you realize: you can't, because the story is told from the perspective of the children whose point of view is clouded by a fear of abandonment. These kids are always thinking about the worst case scenario, but their fears never materialize and everything is fine. I think what is good about them is their poetic quality. There is an emotional style of expression that results in a lot of "reading between the lines." Somehow, the author says a lot despite writing little as the characters deal with big emotions: fear, paranoia, resentment. I do like the little stories for what they are, but they are not at all what I expected.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You don't have to love this land... But if you don't love it, you won't survive. Jacob's right. You have to write your name in the land to live here" (40).

I just had to re-read Skylark. I love some parts of Skylark better than Sarah, Plain and Tall. (I would also highly recommend watching these two movies since MacLachlan wrote the screenplays as well-making the films just as good as the books.) In the second book in the series, the family must cope with a drought and fires. The trials encountered in this book test the strength of the characters. The best part of this book is how we can see the tenderness between Sarah and Jacob. And I absolutely love the little surprises in the ending as I know many other people do too! I could easily show this book to someone to get them to understand the importance of farmland and country life. Our names are indeed written in our land.