The Hundred-Year Barn

In 1919, this barn was built

by townspeople, family, and friends.

It has stood for a hundred years

and will stand for a hundred more.

The barn is a symbol of peace

and stability

and caring

and community.

A little boy watches his family and community come together to build a grand red barn. This barn becomes his refuge and home—a place to play with friends and farm animals alike.

The boy leaves and returns as a young man to help on the farm and to care for the barn again. In this joyful celebration of generations of family and their tender connection to the barn, Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan and award-winning artist Kenard Pak spin a tender and timeless story about the simple moments that make up a lifetime.