Kindred Souls
Patricia MacLachlan, Author
Katherine Tegen Books, Fiction, 2012
Suitable for ages: 6-10
Themes: Aging Grandfathers, Sod houses, Prairies, Family Life, , Dogs, Loss
Book Synopsis: Jake’s grandfather, Billy, hears the talk of birds, is eighty-eight years old, and is going to live forever. Even when Billy gets sick, Jake knows that everything will go on as always. But there’s one thing Billy wants: to rebuild the sod house where he grew up. Can Jake give him this one special thing?
What I like about this book: Patricia MacLachlan’s book is a heartwarming story about a bond between a boy and his grandfather (kindred souls), their shared love of nature, and what Jake does to fulfill his grandfather’s wish. The story is set on the family’s prairie farm. The story has a lovely rhythm about it. The plot is paced well for young readers with short chapters and an air of adventure in building the sod house, from research to recruiting the entire family to help after Billy becomes ill. Even the sudden appearance of Lucy, the stray “angel dog,” who never leaves Billy’s side, adds to the love and grace that permeates this story about family and letting go. This is a beautiful story.
Patricia MacLachlan is a Newberry Medalist for her book Sarah, Plain and Tall. I reviewed her powerful 2013 picture book about grief and renewal, Snowflakes Fall, which was dedicated to the families of Newtown and Sandy Hook, CT. I also reviewed Fly Away and The Truth of Me, both middle grade novels about complicated family relationships.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a really lovely book.
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Thank you Robin. It really was an excellent MG book. Patricia MacLachlan always writes about unique family relationships.
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Thanks, adding this to my reading list.
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I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
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I love Patricia MacLachlan’s writing and this sounds like another moving story, Pat.
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I share your love of Patricia MacLachlan’s writing. I admire her and like study her style. Most of her stories are about unusual family relationships, as you know.
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Oh my goodness, I want to read this one!
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You will like Kindred Souls, Michelle. And, I think you’ll enjoy her unique writing style. She lulls you into a story.
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Very sweet!
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Thanks. It is a very moving story.
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This sounds amazing! I have to get this one. 🙂
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Yes, you’d like this story Erik. It would be a quick read for you. But, it’s the author’s style that is so much fun to study. I am such a fan of her work.
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I am a big fan of Patricia MacLachlan, and this one sounds like a particularly lovely story. I love that the characters take action for their hearts. I had missed this one and will be sure to get my hands on a copy. Thank you for exposing me to another wonderful book!
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Yes, I am a big fan of Patricia MacLachlan. It is a book filled with heart.
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I loved living in the world of Sarah, Plain and Tall when I read it aloud to my class. This world sounds like it would rival that. Except now, I will just read it to myself….
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I also loved living in the world of Sarah, Plain and Tall. I have reviewed a number of her books now and love her style of writing. I hope you read it.
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Coming from the prairies, I can relate to this book. It is a good way to not only show family relationships but to introduce a past way of life. Patricia MacLachlan is an excellent writer,
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I wrote a response to you, but realized that it never posted. I can imagine MacLachlan’s book would remind you of growing up in the prairies. I agree with your comments.
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Sounds lovely! Thanks, Patricia. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed the review!
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My husband has to have this!!! Me too! 🙂
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Ha, Ha — you made my day. My husband read the book and enjoyed it. But, it is definitely a beautifully illustrated and written book by a well-known author.
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My shelves are going to be filled to the brim!! 🙂
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This is a such a sweet and compassionate story about family relationships and aging grandparents. And, it’s set on the prairie so you ge a little history too.
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