Editorial Review
One humble house tells its own intriguing history.Today, big houses surround me, upand down my street. When I wasbuilt, the Fairchilds were the onlypeople around for miles and miles.Standing strong and proud, a trusty old farmhouse reflects on its beginnings, remembering the Fairchild family who built it more than two hundred years ago and comparing what life was like then to the bustling world of the Gray family, its present dwellers.With rich historical detail and warm affirmation of both past and present, When I Was Built celebrates continuity and change, as it conveys the welcoming spirit that makes a house a much-loved home.
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Customer Reviews
Wonderful story that teaches 
2007-08-03
I love this book. Unfortunately, it appears to be out of print, so when I happened upon it here, I had to get it. This is a clever story that is told from the house's point of view and talks about two families that have lived in it and how they are different and the same. The first family being the ones that built it in the 1700s and the second family being the current residents. When I read the part about using an outhouse instead of having indoor plumbing to my four year old. she thought I was making it up and couldn't imagine that children long ago had to actually leave the house to go to the bathroom.
a senior citizen speaks 2004-01-06
I'm a senior citizen. I like to read books before I give them to my grand daughter. I enjoyed "When I was Built" The illustrations are lovely and the story gives a good account of how things used to be. Ofcourse my grand daughter loved the book.
Intuitive & Reminiscent 2002-05-22
As our daily lives speed up, we often forget how far and fast technology has advanced our living conditions. "When I Was Built" by J. Thermes is a fantastic reminder of what life was once like. She intuitively compares the past and present, allowing us to see those dramatic changes through youthful eyes, charming children and a historic house.
Growing up in the North Dakota farmland, I heard countless stories from my grandparents about how life once was. Thermes' book allows me, and others, to reminisce about what life was like, even if we never experienced it firsthand. I truly hope we continue to remember. With books like hers, I'm sure we cannot forget.
As a teacher in an urban area, I have used "When I Was Built" to teach a variety of themes in students' writing; we have also used this in learning how to become better readers. The students enjoy placing themselves away from the world around them; we are given a moment's escape. Thanks!
A very nice book 2002-05-20
I really like this book. The art is clean and simple, and the writing flows well. It's a nice way to introduce children to the good things about both the past and present.
What a wonderful, clever book for children! 2002-05-12
"When I Was Built" is an incredibe story that weaves historical information and children's perspectives into an enriched picture/text children's book.
The reader takes a journey into the past lives of people who lived in this old New England home. For anyone who grew up in an older home on the East Coast, this book will bring a smile to their face. The house has character and a history. As the world developed around the house, so did the families and the children who grew up there.
This story is a powerful way to view a house, its history, and the generations of children who once called this house their home.
A Charming Book 2002-03-20
One humble house tells its own intriguing history.Today, big houses surround me, upand down my street. When I wasbuilt, the Fairchilds were the onlypeople around for miles and miles.Standing strong and proud, a trusty old farmhouse reflects on its beginnings, remembering the Fairchild family who built it more than two hundred years ago and comparing what life was like then to the bustling world of the Gray family, its present dwellers.With rich historical detail and warm affirmation of both past and present, When I Was Built celebrates continuity and change, as it conveys the welcoming spirit that makes a house a much-loved home.
