Baby

by Patricia MacLachlan

Book Overview

Larkin's family welcomes Sophie into their home, caring for her and teaching her games and new words. They come to love this baby as their own, all the while knowing that eventually Sophie's mother... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385311338
• ISBN13: 9780385311335
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

This is an outstanding book EVERYONE should read !!!!!!

Baby by Patricia MacLachlan is a great book that keeps you guessing until the end. Although it is sad, this book is exciting. Set on an island off of the coast of Maine. Larkin and Lalo find Sophie in an unusual way. Sophie, a baby, was left on a beach in a basket with only a small note to tell why. Larkin and her family are unsure if and when Sophie's mother will be back. If you like a book about any kind of mystery or puzzles Baby is the book for you. Baby is a must read book everyone should read. This tale is sad, exciting and thrilling. Baby is an exciting book because they found a baby on the beach with just a small note. Sadness is at the heart when family members are lost. Finally Larkin and her family name the one-day-old brother William. This book is thrilling because Sophie remembers Larkin and her family after ten years. Baby is the right book for you if you like books with happy endings. Children of all ages should read Patricia MacLachlan's books. Patricia lives in Williamsurg, Massachusetts. Patricia was born on a prairie and till this day she carries a bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she goes to remind her of what she first knew first. Sarah Plain and Tall won a Newbery Medal in 1985 and her writing still continues to be outstanding. As you can see Baby by Patricia MacLachlan is an excellent book for all readers.

A book I won't forget

I often pick up and read my 9 year old daughter's books, and am rarely moved by what I read. This book however will stay with me always. The first chapter had me hooked, with a surprisingly textured cast of warm, unusual characters. Extremely engaging, even within the first few lines. The family danced off the pages, and their struggles rang true. No gloss, just real stuff. Lucky young readers who are encouraged to befriend these characters.

great for teens, adults, and secondary teachers...

This book came highly reccomended to me from middle school teachers from across the country at a recent conference. I am a critical reader that is not easily impressed. The book had me in tears. On the surface, it is the story of Larkin and her family who live on an island frequented by vacationers in the summer and the baby, Sophie, who is left on their doorstep. Beneath this story, lies truths about the power of words and their ability to help us to heal from even the most horrific tragedy. As Sophie, a darling one-year-old, learns to speak, sing, and dance, the family learns to speak about the tragedy that shattered their lives. I read the first two chapters to my class of inner-city seventh-graders and had them clamoring to read the rest on their own. I read it to my seven-year-old son and he relished every moment. A perfect book....also beautifully written...like poetry...

Beautifully written treasure to read with your child

This is one of the most beautifully written children's books I have ever read. The story is a very emotional one that touches your heart. As a parent, I would recommend reading it with your child so that you can explain some of the meaning that may not be immediately evident to a young reader. Be sure to have a box of kleenex handy and Enjoy!

An emotional story about a family who got a surprise.

Larkin, a 12 year old girl and her family had a baby on their doorstep. Sophie (the baby) got fed, bathed, and paid for clothes by the whole neighborhood. She lived with them for about a year and then something happened. Read the best book called "Baby" to find out what happens. I recommed this book for people who like to cry, and because it is a great book. My favorite part was during Christmas when Larkin's dad was putting up the tree and, he said a bad word that Sophie heard, and she said it when she was done.