Book Review: The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech

 

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech

About the Book: When John and Marta found the boy on the porch, they were curious, naturally, as to why he was there-and they didn’t expect him to stay, not at first, but he did stay, day after day, until it seemed as if he belonged, running and smiling and laughing his silent laugh, tapping and patting on every surface as he made his music, and painting-with water, with paint, with mud-those swirly swirls and swings and trees. One day a young couple wakes to find a boy asleep on their porch. Unable to speak, the boy cannot explain his history. What kind of person would leave their child with strangers? All they know is that they have been chosen to care for this boy. And as their connection to him grows, they embrace his exuberant spirit and talents. The three of them blossom into an unlikely family, and John and Marta and the boy begin to see the world in brand-new ways. Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech delivers a poignant story of finding family when you least expect it.

 

My Review: John and Marta came across a young boy sleeping in an old cushioned chair on their porch they couldn’t imagine where he came from and why he was at their farmhouse. When the boy woke up they tried to find out where he was from but he would talk but only respond by tapping on the table. The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled note and handed it to Marta. The note read…

“Plees taik kair of Jacob. (please take care of Jacob)

He is a god good boy.    (He is a good boy)

Will be bak wen we can.” (Will be back when we can)

Marta and John did their best to take his of Jacob waiting on the day that his parent will turn. But in the meantime, Jacob bonded well with the dog and cow.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It shows what family meant to John and Marta and the generosity toward Jacob. Find out if whoever left the note came back to pick up Jacob. This an inspiring story and I highly recommend it.

 

Age Range: 8 – 12 years

Grade Level: 3 – 7

Pages: 160

Cost: $6.99

 

The Boy on the Porch

 

 

FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from HarperCollins in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.