The Barn

1. BIBILIOGRAPHY

Avi. 1994. THE BARN. New York, New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531087115

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The Barn is set in 1855. 9year-old Ben has been brought home to help his sister Nettie and brother Harrison to manage their homestead due to their father becoming incapacitated with “palsy.” Ben believes that building the barn that his dad had once dreamed of will be the key to his recovery. Ben must persuade Nettie and Harrison to help construct the barn and to give it as a gift to their father. Together they will accomplish things that they thought were impossible.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

“The Barn” is a historical fiction that takes place in the Oregon territory in 1855. It is a heartwarming story that is about perseverance and what it means to be a part of a family unit. The protagonist of the story is Ben, a 9year-old boy that has been sent to boarding school because of his above intelligence and must come home early due to his father being stricken down by “palsy.” Avi writes this story through the eyes of Ben who is the narrator throughout. His point of view can sometimes be heart wrenching and shows emotions that anyone who has had to deal with a parent that is immobile can relate to. Example of this is when Ben says, “What shame I felt that he should be like a baby to me, who was his youngest son.”

Avi clearly depicts the era by describing the demands of pioneer life and the challenges that the three siblings must face in order to keep their homestead- fixing the house, chopping wood, plowing the fields, planting crops, breaking dirt clods with an ax, and taking care of a father who can’t move and is dying.

The one drawback of this book is too much time is spent on describing the building of the barn, which I think could lose the reader’s interest.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly: "This austere tale set in 1855 tells how the children of Oregon settlers are left to fend for themselves on the frontier," said PW, noting that "it will gratify those who seek a quiet, contemplative read." Ages 8-12.

Kirkus Review: “Ben's spare narrative is lovingly honed, the interaction of the characters drawn with sensitivity and skill. A small, quiet book that may appeal to perceptive readers.”

School Library Journal: “This novel may not have the wide appeal of some of Avi's earlier titles, but it is a thought-provoking and engaging piece of historical fiction.”

5. CONNECTION

Other books by Avi:

Avi. THE ESCAPE FROM HOME (BEYOND THE WESTERN SEA I). ISBN9780380728756

Avi. LORD KiRKLE’S MONEY (BEYOND THE WESTERN SEA II). ISBN 978038728763

Avi. THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE. ISBN 9780380728855