Patricia MacLachlan

For Patricia MacLachlan, a "sense of place”" is important both in her books and in her life. MacLachlan grew up on the Wyoming prairie, but she still remembers the sad day when her family moved away. Before leaving, MacLachlan scooped up a small bag of prairie dirt – a physical reminder that she still carries with her to this day. As an author, MacLachlan has kept her native land alive through the award-winning novels, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Skylark, and Caleb’s Story. Patricia MacLachlan is the author of picture books, novels, and screenplays for television movies.

An Exclusive Interview

In this Reading Rockets interview, Patricia MacLachlan reveals the challenges of writing, the rewards of reading, and the joys of a literacy-rich childhood. Listen in as this Newbery Medal-winning author discusses her writing process, fan mail, and more.

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Her life

Patricia MacLachlan grew up on the Wyoming prairie. Thanks to her parents, her childhood was filled with books. Patricia and her father used to act out their favorite stories, talk about the characters, and sometimes change the endings. As a young girl, she also loved to read books and write fictional entries in her diary.

MacLachlan went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut, marry, and have three children of her own. Family became the main focus of her life. MacLachlan didn’t start writing seriously until age 35, once all of her children were in school. Not surprisingly, children and family dynamics became central themes in many of her books.

In 1986, Patricia MacLachlan’s short novel Sarah, Plain and Tall won the prestigious Newbery Medal. Since then, MacLachlan has written many more favorites, including Skylark, Through Grandpa’s Eyes,, and Journey. MacLachlan has also written three screenplays for television movies based on her novels. Most recently, she has co-authored picture books with her grown daughter, Emily.

Patricia MacLachlan and her husband live in western Massachusetts.