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The Barn by Avi takes place in 1855, when the United States were not fully formed, and life enjoyed a different pace. Ben, the main character, is attending boarding school when he receives news that his father has been felled by palsy-which we now call having a stroke. Ben is only nine, but he is smarter than most kids, and possesses a good chunk of determination.

Ben quickly surmises that his father’s dream of building the barn that he had been planning before his stroke will provide his father with a reason to live. He enlists his sister Nellie-asking her to postpone her wedding and help with the building of the barn. Everything revolves around the barn for Ben. Maybe it is becoming a little too important in the scheme of things.

This short book offers an enthralling and intense look into time where building a barn with your own two hands can become almost as important as life itself. Take a look into the past-maybe you’ll discover something about yourself at the same time.