Reading for Understanding: Discovering Meaning in Sarah, Plain and Tall and Blue Heron
Reasons for Choosing Sarah, Plain and Tall and Blue Heron
MacLachlan, Patricia. Sarah, Plain and Tall. New York: Harper Collins Children's Books, 1985. (1986 Newbery Medal)
Avi. Blue Heron. New York: Avon, 1992.
Reviews and synopses of these books are available at Barnes and Noble and at other locations on the Internet.
My considerations in selecting these two books to introduce the study of meaning include significant similarities and differences of the stories, reading levels, and settings:
- Both books are about family and have both male and female characters, parents and children.
- Both books look at family, community, and marriage from a pre-teen or early teen perspective.
- One book has a historical setting and the other is contemporary, extending the range of discussion to include cultural changes and changes in attitude from the historical setting to the contemporary.
- Sarah, Plain and Tall has a high interest level and clearly-defined characters, but it is a simple story and very easy to read.
- Blue Heron is longer, more complex, and more demanding. It may be more intriguing also because of its contemporary setting and strong characters with contemporary problems.
- Sarah, Plain and Tall creates a scaffold for the inexperienced reader, making similar ideas presented in Blue Heron more accessible.
While I am committed to individual choice in personal reading, I know that it is beneficial to read as a class or a group and to share the varied responses of fellow readers to the same texts. A venture into group study of a book or series of books keeps the experienced reader alert to the complexity of the literary experience. In addition, it draws less experienced readers onward toward a deeper appreciation of literature.
This discussion series is useful in meeting the Virginia Standards of Learning at about fifth through seventh grade levels, providing opportunities for oral and written presentation in the classroom and in the small group setting as well as organization of information and literature apreciation related to plot, theme, character, and form. Included on a separate page are suggestions that may assist in adapting the exercises for older groups and less formal reading groups.
Contact Information
- Sarah Williams and Kallixti hold copyright to all materials unless otherwise stated.
- Send questions, comments, or requests to use these lesson plans toSarah at Thirdlayer.org.
- Permission is granted to teachers and reading group coordinators upon request, and a comments page will be attached as useful comments are received.
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