Plain and Unadorned
In Sarah, Plain and Tall, all of the writing is plain and unadorned—much like Sarah herself. Even when discussing difficult topics, like leaving behind Maine and all that she holds dear, the book showcases Sarah's story in a simple, easy-to-follow writing style. For example, there's a moment when Maggie gives Sarah some plants and Sarah reveals that she misses the garden she had when she lived in Maine:
"Zinnias and marigolds and wild feverfew," said Maggie. "You must have a garden. Wherever you are."
Sarah smiled. "I had a garden in Maine with dahlias and columbine. And nasturtiums the color of the sun when it sets. I don't know if nasturtiums would grow here."
"Try," said Maggie. "You must have a garden." (7.27-29)
Instead of going into flowery language about how different things are in the Midwest, or into emotional descriptions of Sarah's tone of voice or wistfulness, the book describes the encounter in a straightforward way so readers can see it as it happens and draw their own conclusions about how Sarah must feel.