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44 pages 1 hour read

Miracles on Maple Hill

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1956

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Book Brief

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Virginia Sorensen

Miracles on Maple Hill

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1956
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northwestern Pennsylvania • 1950s

Publication Year

1956

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

750L

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Super Short Summary

Written by Virginia Sorensen in 1956 and illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush, Miracles on Maple Hill is a children’s novel that follows 10-year-old Marly and her family as they move from Pittsburgh to a rural cottage. The narrative explores their adaptation to country life, Marly's growing love for nature, and her father's recovery from post-war trauma, emphasizing themes of kindness and empathy as the true miracles in life. The book addresses a character's post-traumatic stress and depression from being a prisoner of war.

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Inspirational

Serene

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

11,510 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen generally receives praise for its heartfelt storytelling, descriptive nature scenes, and themes of healing and family bonds. Some readers appreciate its portrayal of post-war adjustment. However, a few critics mention that the pacing may feel slow for some contemporary readers. Overall, it is cherished for its warmth and charm.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Miracles on Maple Hill?

Readers who enjoy Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen typically appreciate heartwarming, nature-centric stories about family and resilience. Comparable to Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie, these readers cherish nostalgic, character-driven narratives set in pastoral settings.

4.2

11,510 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Marly

A ten-year-old girl who moves with her family to the country to help her father recover from trauma, finding healing and joy in nature and forming meaningful connections with her family and neighbors.

Marly’s father, a World War II veteran experiencing emotional trauma, whose family relocates to the countryside to aid his healing and adjustment to a new, peaceful life.

Marly’s generous and kindhearted neighbor at Maple Hill, who shares her love for nature and becomes a mentor and friend, teaching her about the land and community values.

Marly’s older brother, a curious and adventurous adolescent who initially struggles with the move but grows more empathetic and connected to his sister and the countryside over time.

A reclusive older man known as "Harry the Hermit," who lives simply near Marly’s family and forms a friendship with Joe, eventually becoming a symbol of compassion and community.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northwestern Pennsylvania • 1950s

Publication Year

1956

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

750L

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