The Boy on the Porch

I love Sharon Creech books. This one was a one night read. It was a sweet story about loving and honoring children as they are without trying to change them. I appreciated it, but will probably not recommend it to my friends.

When Jacob shows up on John and Marta's porch, neither one knows what to think. They welcome him to their home, feed him and clothe him and try in general to do right by him. But the boy doesn't talk and so they have no idea where he came from or who he really is. Despite all the questions they quickly grow to love the boy who has quite the talent for art and music and who enjoys riding the cow and playing with the dog. Well aware that the boy's family may be back for him, John and Marta try to find out his origins. Just as they are getting used to the idea of having him around permanently, disaster strikes. But John and Marta are forever changed and it leads to them making a surprising decision.Strengths: As is to be expected from Sharon Creech, the writing is beautiful and spare. She manages to convey strong emotions in a surprisingly few words. And she's a master of the show don't tell mantra. I had no trouble connecting to John and Marta and Jacob. The theme of the story is masterfully presented. I loved the book.Weaknesses: Who on earth is this book aimed at? The length and spare prose suggest the book is aimed at young readers. However the story is told from the adult point of view, which I find a bit odd for a children's book. I am really not sure who I would recommend the book to other than adults. This is a book that I would want to try out with kids before buying for my library, just to get a reaction. Sigh, which is too bad since it is a wonderful book. The other issue I had with the book was time period. I really don't have any idea what time period this is supposed to take place in and that threw me off a little bit not knowing what the legalities would be for keeping an abandoned child.

Im eleven. hi. my name isnt kindr, its aiden. im the kid. but i love reading , and this book was really cute. i know this might make it sound like i dont like the book, but i have no words. i loved the book so much. jacob was a really sweet kid, and influenced the marta and john to foster more kids . i look forward to fostering kids when im older. outstanding book!!!

This was such a sweet and interesting story. I read it aloud to my family as we were traveling. It was a quick read, and my boys didn't want me to even stop and take a drink. 😊 I was a bit surprised by the ending, and wished that there was an epilogue explaining what happened before and after Jacob came. I LOVED what John and Marge ended up doing in the years after Jacob, and what they had in their bedroom. Classic Creech storytelling. I don't think I realized until now that Sharon Creech and Eve Bunting have the same amazing gift of telling a story that is deep and insightful and stays with you long after you read the final page of the book. Well worth the read!

I thought Sharon Creech had another Newberry winner as I read this book. I was pulled into the story from page 1. The emotions the book portrayed were excellent. This is a book children and adults will both love. Children will learn a lot about the way the world works from the main characters. The direction the story takes after the heartbreak of losing the boy, sets a good example for readers as to how they can help the unwanted children of the world as they mend their own broken hearts. The shelf of shoes was my favorite part. This is a book I will never forget and the author should be very proud of, it is marvelous. Thank you, Sharon, for this heartwarming look into these characters' lives. Terrific book!!!

This was a book purchased for my eight-year-old granddaughter and, as always, I like to preread them so we can have good conversation as she reads. I advised her mother that this would be a wonderful book for them to share and discuss as they read along together. It was so inviting that it became not only a mom and daughter read, but her dad didn't want to miss out on the story and conversation so he joined in. As they completed the book, my granddaughter asked her mom if she knew if Sharon Creech had written other books. Needless to say they are into the second of her books.You won't want to put it down!

My 10 year old son loved this book and wrote a report on it as well!

A child enters the life of a childless farmer and his wife, who are confounded to find him on asleep on their porch one morning. They are a kind couple and the boy is not the only foundling in their care. Bonds are forged, and the child becomes precious to them as they build their lives around him, always aware that whoever left him may come back at any time. Poignant, a refreshing story for intermediate readers, grades 4-6.

I bought this because the introductory paragraph had me intrigued. Sadly, the rest of the book didn't. The two main characters actually started to frustrate me and in my opinion weren't really credible. Also, there was too much dialogue for my liking.

This is a good thought provoking book and is ideal for ks2 children.I will be using this book in the future with my class

I found this story very interesting and enjoyable. The end of the book spoilt the whole thing thing for me, because there was NO ending. Very annoying, it was as though the author had suddenly lost interest grrr.

12 year old son loves this.

My ten-year old is really enjoying this story.