Books like Sarah, Plain and Tall

Looking for books like Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (Historical Fiction (Middle Grade) · 660L · grades 3–5)? It’s most often read for its themes of family, loss, and new beginnings. The 10 titlesbelow are the closest matches in the ReadingList database — each scored on shared themes, genre, and reading level, and each linked to the curricula, states, and grades where it’s assigned, with primary sources.

These are reading-level matches, not just topical ones — so the picks stay grade-appropriate for a grades 3–5 reader. See how we judge text difficulty on our methodology page.

10 books similar to Sarah, Plain and Tall

Why each is a match

Number the Stars670L
Shares themes of family, same genre (Historical Fiction (Middle Grade)), and a close reading level (670L vs 660L).
Stone Fox550L
Shares themes of family and loss and a close reading level (550L vs 660L).
The War That Saved My Life580L
Shares themes of family, same genre (Historical Fiction (Middle Grade)), and a close reading level (580L vs 660L).
Out of My Mind700L
Shares themes of family and a close reading level (700L vs 660L).
Where the Red Fern Grows700L
Shares themes of family and a close reading level (700L vs 660L).
Because of Winn-Dixie610L
Shares themes of loss and a close reading level (610L vs 660L).
Blended610L
Shares themes of family and a close reading level (610L vs 660L).
Make Way for Ducklings730L
Shares themes of family and a close reading level (730L vs 660L).
One Crazy Summer750L
Shares themes of family and a close reading level (750L vs 660L).
Ramona the Pest750L
Shares themes of family and a close reading level (750L vs 660L).

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