May B. A Novel

Title: May B. A Novel

Author: Caroline Starr Rose
# of Pages: 240 pages 

Published by: Yearling
Age Range: 8-12 yrs.
Grade Level: 3-7

·      May is helping out on a neighbor’s homestead in a Kansas prairie.  She was ordered by her mother and father to work in order to make extra money that the family needed. She is an 11-year-old young girl. The story takes place in the late 1870’s. May is taking care of a young bride. When the bride’s husband runs off the bride goes to find him she is left all alone to find food and fuel to live and get through the upcoming winter. She’s stranded in a sod house. She is stuck there to survive until her parents come to find her at Chirstmas. The main character is a determined, willing, and brave young girl who quickly grows up. This is a heartwarming story that reminds me of Little House on the prairie.  This novel is written in free verse. It is poetic, immediate, has short lines, and is an easy enjoyable read. 

This poetry novel uses free verse which may be difficult for some people to read. However this style of novel makes for an easy read because there are less words on each page.I would recommend this story to a 5th-7th grade girl who likes nature and is struggling with responsibility, or is adapting to a new role in the family. I would have this book in my classroom library someday!

Classroom activities and lesson ideas: 

Explore Caroline Starr's website

Have students write about what they would do in her situation

Have students write a different beginning or end to the book

Have students work on prediction

Do a weather lesson on winter

Here is the book trailer! If you like this, you'll love the book!