A Prairie as Wide as the Sea

Title: A Prairie as Wide as the Sea
Author: Sarah Ellis
Ages: 9-12
Rating: 5/5

Plot: Ivy Weatherall and her family are moving to the prairies of Canada from England. The day before she leaves, her aunt gives her a diary to record her adventures.

Assessment: The diary format allows readers to feel that they are able to become an intimate part of Ivy's life. Her diary is where she confides her feelings and secrets, and therefore into the reader.

This is an great way to get children (particularly girls) interested in Canadian history. Ivy describes many aspects of typical life as a young girl growing up on the prairies in the early 20th Century, something that is reinforced by the historical photographs at the end of the novel. This novel also has a certain quality of relevance even today, as it shows some intolerance for new immigrants.

If you liked this book, you should try others in the Dear Canada series. Or:
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
My Story series by Scholastic (for boys)

Ellis, S. (2001). A Prairie as wide as the sea: The immigrant diary of Ivy Weatherall. Toronto, On: Scholastic Canada Ltd.