Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

. "I was only looking for big things . . . but a small thing can be a prize too." That's the theme of Eben McAllister's search for local wonders in The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty Birney. The year is 1923, and Eben, who lives on a farm in Missouri, longs for marvels like those in his Seven Wonders of the World book. His father challenges him to find local wonders to rival the famous ones. If Eben can gather seven wonders in seven days, his father will let him earn a train ride to visit relatives in the Colorado mountains. He ekes out time from daily chores to visit the neighbors, each of whom shares a wonder and tells a story. ... magical realism and country living make the book a great yarn. Booklist

If you enjoyed Richard Peck's A Year Down Yonder & A Long Way from Chicago, try this book for a visit to a simple and wonderful time! Robin recommends for Grades 2-7 & family read-aloud!