School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-Virginia Sorensen's 1957 Newbery Award winner (Harcourt, 1956) is skillfully dramatized by a cast of experienced narrators. This is a loving family saga about Marley, brother Joe, their parents, and their friends. When Marley's father returns home from World War II a broken man physically and spiritually, her mother decides that the family needs to leave the city for an extended visit to Grandma's house in the country. Listeners are drawn into the tale of a year in the life of this family as the father slowly regains his strength and confidence. The year is filled with small "miracles" from the first spring blossoms to the healing of their beloved neighbor, Mr. Chris. Narrated by Cynthia Bishop and dramatized by the Full Cast Family, each character is brought to life and given a unique personality and voice. Their expert narration brings this inspiring American classic to life. So many children today have parents who are part of the war effort overseas that this somewhat old-fashioned, half-century old story is still relevant for youngsters today.-Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
"Warm and real . . . packed with incident, country magic, family lore, and people to remember."—The New York Times Book Review
"Vivid descriptions . . . and excellent characterization mark each page of the book."—Chicago Tribune
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School Library Journal - Audio
07/01/2015
Gr 3–6—Though Sorensen's family-centered novel was first published in 1956, the father's struggles with the aftereffects of his war duties makes it relevant to contemporary life. Ten-year-old Marly is excited on the drive to Maple Hill, but her father is silent. Her mother is careful to keep things calm when her older brother, Joe, is unwilling to include her in his plans. In an effort to emotionally heal their recently returned dad, the family heads to their great-grandmother's long-neglected farm. Marly connects quickly with neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Chris, who are in the midst of sugaring season. After a summer enjoying nature, Marly finds that both her dad and the farm are reviving, so the family settles in for a school year in the country. Their much-anticipated second sugaring season becomes complicated, however, when Mr. Chris suffers a heart attack. Fortunately, help comes and Marly's dad, now fully recovered, proves he can make syrup like a pro. A dozen well-chosen actors run the gamut of emotions with convincing performances that highlight the realistic and uplifting story. VERDICT Filled with wisdom, kindness, and common events in everyday life, this work will reassure and enchant upper elementary listeners. Perfect for intergenerational family time, too.—Barbara Wysocki, formerly of Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT
AUG/SEP 05 - AudioFile
A full cast perfectly conveys the sweetness of this classic. After their father/husband returns from a WWII prison camp, a family tries to put itself back together by taking themselves back to the country, where they will farm, make maple sugar, and heal in the place their ancestors built on Maple Hill. You can feel the deep emotional attachment each cast member brings to this heartfelt production. With its gentle tone, lilting guitar segues, and occasional folksongs, this is a production that evokes the same emotional tenor as Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books. This story is perfect for teachers and parents to share with children, or for a child to snuggle up with alone. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
