Miracles on Maple Hill
Original 1956 cover
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| Author | Virginia Sorensen |
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| Illustrator | Beth and Joe Krush |
| Cover artist | Beth and Joe Krush |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature, Historical fiction |
| Publisher | Harcourt Children's Books |
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Publication date
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1956 |
| Pages | 180 |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 220653 |
Miracles on Maple Hill is a 1956 novel by Virginia Sorensen that won the 1957 Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature. The book was illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush.
The settings and characters for the book were inspired by real people and locations the author encountered during her stay in Edinboro, Pennsylvania between 1952-1958.
Marly's family moves to the country so that her father, a former prisoner of war, can learn to function once more. They are supported by a neighbor couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chris, who make their living with maple syrup. Marly and her brother adapt to living in the country, and eventually become happier there. Their father's condition also improves dramatically.
Marly, her parents, and her brother go to a place where their grandmother once lived called Maple Hill. There the people are so nice to each other that they know everybody's name, and they are very kind to each other. They help each other when any help is needed. It is unlike the city, where people barely talk to each other and like to gossip behind others' backs. Therefore, it is very easy for people to feel tired and upset. Marly's father is back from the war, suffering from mood swings and depression, and seems to be tired all the time. Lee, Marly's mother, decides to moves to Maple Hill so that her father will not suffer as much as in the city and will be able to get back to normal. They are supported by a neighbor couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chris, who make their living with maple syrup. Marly and her brother adapt to living in the country very well, and eventually become happier there. Their father's condition also improves dramatically.
When Mr. Chris has a heart attack during sugaring time, Marly's family steps forward to return the kindness that the Chrises have shown them. They collect the entire crop of sap and boil it down, but they are certain that they lack Mr. Chris's deft touch with making syrup. When Mr. Chris is allowed to return home, it is the moment of truth: is their syrup as good as Mr. Chris's? Mr. Chris himself is unable to detect any difference. Marly reflects that the recovery of her father and Mr. Chris, the growing strength of bonds within her family, and the second chances for life and love are the true miracles of Maple Hill.
A full cast audio adaptation narrated by Cynthia Bishop was released in 2005 with each character brought to life by a unique personality and voice.
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