A Bride for Anna's Papa

The plot of this novel, set in Minnesota in 1907-1908, will surely invite comparisons with Sarah, Plain and Tall. After the death of her mother, 12-year-old Anna Kallio is forced to leave school in order to keep house for her father, a blacksmith, and her younger brother. The family's hardships multiply with a miners' strike and the fear that Papa will not be able to find work. Frustrated by her domestic responsibilities, Anna conspires with her brother to find a wife for their father so that Anna can return to school. Though their initiative fails, Papa ultimately does find a mate in Anna's teacher, a kindly woman who is sensitive to Anna's sudden doubts about relinquishing her responsibilities to someone new. The story spirals along from crisis to crisis, with Anna's brother narrowly escaping death when he explores a dangerous mine and, in the final chapter, the newly formed family losing their home to a fire. Of special interest is Marvin's exploration of the Kallios' Finnish heritage: she describes holidays and customs like the family sauna, etc. Though the writing lacks a certain fluidity, the drama will certainly capture the reader's attention while providing a fairly accurate picture of the period. Ages 8-12. (May)