Miracles on Maple Hill
By Virginia Sorensen
Read by Cynthia Bishop and the Full Cast Family Full Cast Audio, (2004)
An Unabridged Audio Recording on 4 CDs.
ISBN: 1-932076-68-9
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Reviewed by Auggie Moore - April 11, 2005
Miracles on Maple Hill, is a heartwarming story by Virginia Sorensen that follows ten-year-old Marley and her family as they move from Pittsburgh to Maple Hill, her Grandmother's old farmhouse in the country. Marley's father recently returned from the war, and he has come home a changed man. He is pained by his experiences in the war, tired of life, and embittered over his inability to get a new job. Marley's mother hopes that by living in the quiet solitude of Maple Hill that his psychological wounds will begin to heal.
While at Maple Hill, Marley, her brother Joe, and her parents, are befriend by a neighbor, Mr. Chris, who teaches the family how to tap Maple trees for their sweet maple syrup. Living on Maple Hill is an adjustment for the entire family, and at first Marley and Joe find it hard to get over their homesickness for their old home and friends. For Dale, their father, the adjustment is even harder, but he soon finds renewal and joy in simple things like tending to the garden and helping Mr. Chris tap the maple trees. This alone is a great miracle, but there are more to come. As Marley's Daddy begins to heal, the family is brought closer together. Marley and Joe make new friends, and they continually are witnesses to the daily miracles inherent in nature.
This is a story of hope, love, and redemption that was written primarily for readers ages 10-12, and is akin in spirit and reading level to the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Although intended for children, this is a book that is perfect for family listening. This is a story about caring people, dealing with family and personal issues that are as relevant to today's readers as they were a generation ago. Miracles can happen, especially on Maple Hill.
Miracles on Maple Hill has touched the hearts of readers for almost fifty years. First published in 1956, it was selected as the winner of the Newbery Award in 1957. This Full Cast Audio production of Miracles on Maple Hill is an unabridged recording of Sorensen's book, and it is read by an entire ensemble, featuring Jo D'Aloisio as Marley, Seth Jackson as her brother Joe, Lauren Synger as her mother, and David Baker as her tormented father. Also featured in this recording is Willard E. Lape, Jr. as Mr. Chris, the neighbor who introduces the family to the joy of sugaring, and Cynthia Bishop as the stories narrator. You'll also find a recording of the folk song, The Fox included in this edition.
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