March 1, 2024 - March Read Aloud!

Are you looking for a great March-themed read aloud that isn't all shamrocks and rainbows?  Consider The Prairie Thief.

As a Midwest native, the title and cover of this book hooked me.  When I realized a leprechaun makes an appearance at the end, I knew I would save it for a March read aloud.  There is mystery, adventure, and fantasy - and full-page pencil illustrations every few chapters.

From the cover: 

If anyone had asked Louisa Brody last week what she thought her life would be like today, she'd have never thought it would look like this:

Her dear pa, accused of thievery, is locked thirty miles away in jail.

She's living with the awful Smirches, her neighbors and the very family that went and accused her pa of the horrendous crime.

And there is one very cantankerous -- and magical -- secret in the hazel grove that just may be able to shed some light on the situation.  With her life flipped upside down, it's now up to Louisa, her sassy friend Jessamine, and that cranky secret to save Pa from a guilty verdict before it is too late!

Themes: mythical creatures (brownies and a leprechaun), prairie life, adventure

Need to Know: The main character's father is imprisoned at the beginning of the book (her mother is dead), and she is not treated well living with neighbors while her father waits for his trial.

Related Resources: 

Check out our book party ideas!

If you are looking for a writing curriculum, check out The Prairie Thief | Brave Writer.