Plain Girl

Beautifully written, with engaging characters. Esther really comes alive. The issues she faces are real, and portrayed in realistic complexity. There's humor, and drama, and even disobedience (secrets & lying).

It's just so engaging: by the end I even came to emphasize with Father a little.
That was difficult though as I firmly believe that he should have given Esther some guidance on how to deal with the other schoolchildren, *how* to remain aloof while still being courteous... but maybe he didn't know and couldn't figure it out himself. And I don't agree with the part of the Bible that he chose to quote, about the water fountain being a metaphor saying that people cannot be bad and good at the same time. Of *course* they can! Nobody show more is perfect!

Home-schooled children, and immigrants, and those who need to learn of their perspectives, will benefit from this look at someone who comes from a different culture.

Sorensen's Newbery book, [b:Miracles On Maple Hill|2911651|Miracles On Maple Hill|Virginia Sorensen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328915605l/2911651._SX50_.jpg|811840], is also about issues that are deeper and more complex than what was explored by most children's stories written back in the day. I will look for more by her. show less

Pensylvannia law forces Esther's parents to send her to school. Her father is especially reluctant to do so as school played a large part in her brother leaving the Amish community. What follows is a gentle, old fashioned story suitable to thoughtful young readers. While this reviewer cannot say if this is an accurate portrayal of 1950's Amish life, this book is a much better introduction than any reality show. While grounded in this time, place, and culture, Esther's introspection and conversations with others about tradition and identity touch on the universal. While some young readers might have trouble relating to the lifestyle portrayed, this actually adds value to the book since portrayals of the Amish are few and often show more sensationalized. This book is a safe bet as nothing objectionable could be found. Additionally, those seeking Christian fiction may be pleased with Esther's reflections on biblical passages. Worth keeping around despite low circulation and a good choice for Christian or Catholic schools. show less

Despite her father's objections, a young Amish girl secretly looks forward to attending public school where she makes a best friend and gains a new perspective on her family's way of life.

Despite her father's objections, a young Amish girl secretly looks forward to attending public school where she makes a best friend and gains a new perspective on her family's way of life.

A sweet book. I'm sure I read this years ago, but I don't find any record of it. It felt very familiar. Noticing the original pub date, perhaps I read it as a child. Lovely illustration by Charles Geer. A chance to see two kids grow up and learn the treasure the values they've been raised with.

Great book about the Amish's plain lifestyle for young readers! As a huge fan of young adult Amish romance novels I am always keeping an eye out for books like this. Suitable for readers of any age, but particularly upper elementary.

Despite her father's objections, a young Amish girl secretly looks forward to attending public school where she makes a best friend and gains a new perspective on her family's way of life.