|
|
Tarfumes.com - Grandfather's Dance (Sarah, Plain and Tall)
![Grandfather's Dance (Sarah, Plain and Tall)]()
|
List Price: $15.89
Our Price: $13.48
Your Save: $ 2.41 ( 15% )
Availability: N/A
Manufacturer: Joanna Cotler
|
Average Customer Rating: 
|
|
Binding: Library Binding
Format: Bargain Price
Label: Joanna Cotler
Manufacturer: Joanna Cotler
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 96
Publication Date: 2006-09-01
Publisher: Joanna Cotler
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Release Date: 2006-09-05
Studio: Joanna Cotler
|
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial Reviews:
|
|
Could anything be more perfect than a prairie wedding? Cassie doesn't think so, for a wedding brings: Two lovebirds together,
Aunts from faraway Maine,
A long white dress with a wedding veil,
Zinnias,
Satin ribbons,
Dancing under a clear blue sky,
And a world that smells of roses. And as the Witting family comes together for this most special day, Cassie sees that life brings: The change of seasons,
Brother Jack on Grandfather's lap,
A brand-new car,
Joy,
Sorrow,
And a special dance only Grandfather does. Sarah, Plain and Tall began the Witting family's saga on the prairie. Now the story completes its circle with Grandfather's Dance, Patricia MacLachlan's poetic celebration about the enduring spirit of family.
|
|
|
Spotlight customer reviews:
|
Customer Rating:
Summary: Wonderful = happy + sad
Comment: Historical fiction at its finest, this is the concluding story to the series of books which began on the prairie of America's mid-west with 'Sarah, Plain and Tall.' Ideal for readers who are ready for beginning chapter books, the theme, story, characters, and the simple but effective dialog between the characters are weighty enough to satisfy older readers. Narrated by Cassie, an observant fourth grader who keeps a journal (journal entries are included in the story), the family prepares for a happy wedding, including the probably once-in-a-lifetime visit from three out-of-town aunts from Maine. The charm of the story is the relationship between Grandfather and Jack, just a toddler beginning to speak, who complements Grandfather perfectly with his imitations of the old man. Between the two of them, they share a cantankerous attitude that is highly amusing. It's a 'wet-hankie book', for even before the aunts depart for Maine, there will be a funeral, but oh, what a lovely story in between! The book stands very well on it's own, but will definitely encourage readers to scope out the previous stories.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A kid's Review
Comment: I loved the book Grandfather's Dance. I was constantly asking to read another chapter. More! Please read more, Mom! I would recommend this book to other kids, especially if they have read Sarah Plain and Tall, Skylark, Caleb's Story, and More Perfect Than the Moon. After reading this series of books, I feel like the Witting family is part of my family! Grandfather's dance was a perfect end to this series. My only complaint is that this is the last book! I wish that Patricia MacLachlan would write another story about the Witting Family!
(From Mom: Our family was introduced to Sarah Plain and Tall through the Five in a Row literature program. We read it together and learned all about prairie life and life at the North Atlantic seacoast. Both my 5 year old son and 7 year old daughter enjoyed these books and were drawn in my their detailed writing. When we finished our study we decided to read Skylark and then realized that there are five stories about this beloved family. We read all of these books aloud and enjoyed many laughs and a few tears. I will always treasure our time spent with the Witting family.)
Customer Rating:
Summary: A kid's Review
Comment: I loved the book Grandfather's Dance. I was constantly asking to read another chapter. More! Please read more, Mom! I would recomend this book to other kids, especially if they have read Sarah Plain and Tall, Skylark, Caleb's Story, and More Perfect Than the Moon. After reading this series of books, I feel like the Witting family is part of my family! Grandfather's dance was a perfect end to this series. My only complaint is that this is the last book! I wish that Patricia MacLachlan would write another story about the Witting Family!
(From Mom: Our family was introduced to Sarah Plain and Tall through the Five in a Row literature program. We read it together and learned all about prairie life and life at the North Atlantic seacoast. Both my 5 year old son and 7 year old daughter enjoyed these books and were drawn in my thier detailed writing. When we finished our study we decided to read Skylark and then realized that there are five stories about this beloved family. We read all of these books aloud and enjoyed many laughs and a few tears. I will always treasure our time spent with the Witting family.)
Customer Rating:
Summary: a very sad but loving book
Comment: I really loved this book. As an adult, I was reminded of what it was like growing up on a farm. I loved the unique characters who were very well developed. The story was mostly obvious but could still weave the feelings of loss and love in a way that made you come out feeling filled with good feelings.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Last Dance
Comment: Just as spring begins on the prairie, young Cassie Witting's life is about to change. Cassie's older sister, Anna, is getting married. This event is the stimulus for a flurry of activity. In addition to wedding preparations, the Witting family must also get ready to receive family from back east, her mama's brother William and a collection of sisters referred to as "the aunts." Even her brother Caleb will return from school for the event. Cassie is excited about her sister's wedding. She contemplates what it might be like to get married one day and resolves that her dog would be the perfect husband. In the midst of all the arrangements and family reunions, Cassie notices that Grandfather has become short tempered. Her younger brother Jack (who refers to himself as "Doggie") loves Grandfather better than anyone else. This is evident by the way Jack imitates his Grandfather's every move. Cassie doesn't understand the significance of Grandfather's request to have Cassie dress up and have a pretend wedding so that he can attend. Cassie eventually realizes the reason for Grandfather's strange behavior.
Reading this book, one is privy to tender family moments, sharing both happy and difficult times. MacLachlan uses a string of symbols to signal the changes the family is experiencing. Among the symbols are the new family car, Sarah's wedding veil, and Grandfather's black hat. The reader recognizes the family's sense of togetherness. This gives them the strength they need to weather the changing seasons of their own lives and the "life" of the Witting family.
Although part of a collection of stories beginning with Sarah, Plain and Tall, the reader need not have read previous books to appreciate this touching final installment in the collection. Cassie's narration imparts enough information from the other books that Grandfather's Dance easily stands alone. The book uses language that is simple enough for young readers, but the theme of the book makes it an enjoyable read for all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
