Patchwork: A Story of 'The Plain People'

"Patchwork: A Story of 'The Plain People'" by Anna Balmer Myers is a historical fiction that follows Phoebe Metz, a young girl growing up among the Plain People in Pennsylvania during the early 1900s, where she grapples with the rigid expectations of her community and her own yearning for beauty and independence. From the beginning, Phoebe struggles with daily chores and Aunt Maria's stern rules, yearning for the freedom of the outdoors and the memory of her mother. Driven by her imagination and curiosity, her trip to Greenwald highlights the contrast between her lively spirit and her community's traditions, ultimately showcasing her innocence and the internal conflicts she faces as she seeks her place in the world. In this opening, Phoebe's relationships, especially with her aunt, and the gentle rhythm of everyday life, are explored, setting the foundation for a tale of self-discovery and growth.