Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "Sarah, Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan

1. Sarah's Arrival:

   • How does Sarah's arrival impact the Witting family? What are the initial reactions of Anna and Caleb to Sarah, and how do their feelings evolve over time?

2. Character Traits:

   • Describe the personalities of Sarah, Anna, and Caleb. How do the characters' unique traits contribute to the dynamics of the family and the story?

3. The Setting:

   • Explore the significance of the setting, particularly the prairie landscape. How does the setting influence the characters and the overall mood of the story?

4. Loss and Healing:

   • Both Sarah and the Witting family have experienced loss. How do they cope with grief, and how does Sarah's presence contribute to the healing process?

5. Letters and Communication:

   • The exchange of letters plays a significant role in the novel. How does the correspondence between Sarah and the Witting family serve as a means of communication and connection?

6. Identity and Belonging:

   • Sarah comes from a different place and background. How does the theme of identity and belonging play out for Sarah as she adjusts to her new life, and how do Anna and Caleb grapple with their sense of identity?

7. Cultural Differences:

   • Sarah brings with her a different cultural background. How do the cultural differences between Sarah and the Witting family contribute to the richness of the story? In what ways do they learn from each other?

8. Themes of Love and Acceptance:

   • Discuss the themes of love and acceptance in the novel. How do the characters learn to love and accept one another despite their differences?

9. Anna's Perspective:

   • The story is narrated from Anna's perspective. How does the choice of Anna as the narrator influence the reader's understanding of the events and emotions in the story?

10. Prairie Life:

    • Explore the challenges and joys of prairie life as depicted in the novel. How do the characters adapt to the demands of living on the prairie, and what aspects of their daily life stand out?

11. Seasonal Changes:

    • How does the changing of seasons serve as a backdrop for the events in the story? What role do seasonal changes play in the characters' experiences?

12. Legacy and Memory:

    • Reflect on the idea of legacy and memory in the novel. How do the characters preserve the memory of those they have lost, and how does it shape their present and future?

The late nineteenth century, often referred to as the Gilded Age (approx. 1870-1900), was a period of significant transformation and complexity in the history of the United States. Here are key aspects and events that shaped America during this period:

1. Industrialization and Economic Growth:

   • The late 19th century witnessed rapid industrialization, with the expansion of railroads, the growth of the steel industry, and the rise of large corporations. This led to substantial economic growth, but it also resulted in wealth inequality.

2. Urbanization:

   • Industrialization spurred urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of employment. Major cities grew rapidly, leading to the development of urban centers with crowded living conditions and increased social challenges.

3. Technological Advances:

   • Innovations like the telegraph, telephone, and electric lighting revolutionized communication and daily life. Thomas Edison's invention of the electric light bulb and the establishment of the first electric power stations marked a significant milestone.

4. Labor Movements and Strikes:

   • The era was marked by labor unrest and strikes as workers sought better working conditions, fair wages, and shorter working hours. Events like the Haymarket Affair (1886) highlighted tensions between labor and management.

5. Expansion and Westward Movement:

   • The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 facilitated westward expansion. The frontier continued to be settled, leading to conflicts with Native American populations and the closing of the frontier by the end of the century.

6. Agricultural Challenges:

   • Farmers faced economic difficulties due to falling crop prices, high debt, and overproduction. The late 19th century saw the emergence of agrarian movements, such as the Farmers' Alliance and the Populist Party, advocating for farmers' rights.

7. Reconstruction and Civil Rights:

   • The Reconstruction period following the Civil War (1861-1865) continued into the late 19th century. The struggle for civil rights for African Americans faced challenges, with the establishment of Jim Crow laws and the rise of racial segregation.

8. Political Corruption:

   • The term "Gilded Age" reflects the superficial glitter covering underlying social issues and political corruption. There was widespread political corruption, exemplified by scandals like the Credit Mobilier scandal and the Tweed Ring in New York City.

9. Immigration and Nativism:

   • Large waves of immigration occurred during this period, with many immigrants coming from Southern and Eastern Europe. Nativist sentiments and anti-immigrant movements, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882), emerged in response to the influx of newcomers.

10. Spanish-American War (1898):

    • The United States engaged in its first overseas conflict, the Spanish-American War, resulting in the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The war marked the U.S.'s emergence as a global power.

11. Cultural and Intellectual Developments:

    • The late 19th century saw the emergence of new literary movements, including realism and naturalism. Notable authors like Mark Twain and Henry James captured the complexities of American society. The era also witnessed advancements in education and the founding of universities.

12. Women's Suffrage Movement:

    • The late 19th century laid the groundwork for the women's suffrage movement. Activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton advocated for women's rights and the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

The Gilded Age was a period of contrasts, characterized by economic prosperity and social challenges, technological innovation, and political corruption. It set the stage for the progressive era that followed, marked by reforms and efforts to address the social and economic issues of the time.

Patricia MacLachlan is an American author known for her contributions to children's literature. Here is a brief biography of Patricia MacLachlan:

Early Life:

• Patricia Pritzkau MacLachlan was born on March 3, 1938, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA.

Education:

• Patricia attended the University of Connecticut, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English.

Family:

• Patricia is part of a family with a literary background. Her mother, Jeanette Lander, was a children's book author, and her brother, Dan MacLachlan, is an illustrator.

Teaching Career:

• Patricia MacLachlan started her professional career as a teacher, working with various age groups, including kindergarten and high school students.

Writing Career:

• Patricia began her writing career by penning picture books and novels for young readers. She is renowned for her ability to capture poignant moments and emotions in her writing.

Notable Works:

1. "Sarah, Plain and Tall" (1985): This novel, set on the prairies, tells the story of a widowed farmer and his children who are waiting for a mail-order bride, Sarah, to join their family. The book won the Newbery Medal.

2. "Skylark" (1994): A sequel to "Sarah, Plain and Tall," this novel continues the story of Sarah and the Witting family.

3. "Caleb's Story" (2001): Another sequel in the series, this book focuses on Caleb, one of the Witting children.

4. "Baby" (1993): This picture book explores the anticipation and excitement surrounding the arrival of a new baby in the family.

5. "The Moon's Almost Here" (2019): Patricia continued to contribute to children's literature with this poetic and beautifully illustrated bedtime story.

Awards:

• Patricia MacLachlan has received several awards for her contributions to children's literature, including the Newbery Medal for "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Legacy:

• Patricia's works are celebrated for their warmth, simplicity, and emotional depth. Her stories often revolve around themes of family, love, and the beauty of everyday life.