65 pages 2 hours read

Patricia MacLachlan

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapters 7-9Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 7 Summary

Matthew, Maggie, and their two children, Rose and Violet, come to help Papa plow the field for corn. The children bring three chickens as a gift for Sarah. She immediately takes to the chickens, and Anna knows they will never eat them. As Maggie and Sarah work together to prepare a meal to share after the plowing, they each talk about missing home, which Anna does not like to hear. Maggie has also brought Sarah flowers for a garden, so the women and Anna plant them together. Maggie offers to teach Sarah how to drive the wagon so she can visit her.

After the meal, Rose and Violet fall asleep, and Papa helps Matthew carry them to the wagon. The neighbors leave, and as Sarah is considering what to name the chickens, Papa brings her some newly bloomed roses.

Chapter 8 Summary

Sarah wears overalls and demands that Papa teach her to ride Jack and drive the wagon. At first, he disagrees that she should ride Jack, but she insists. A storm is brewing, so Papa says they will have the lesson tomorrow: He must fix the roof quickly before the rain arrives. Sarah insists on helping since she is a skilled carpenter.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 65 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools