The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs
The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs . Betty G. Birney; Atheneum Books for Young Readers, (2005)
Grade Level: 3 - 5
ISBN 0-689-87136-8
Cost $16.95
SYNOPSIS: Twelve year-old Eben McAllister dreams of far away places after he reads a book about the seven wonders of the world. He feels doomed to stay on the farm and in his small community of Sassafras Springs until he grows up. His father challenges him to find seven wonders among his friends and neighbors in order to win a train ticket to visit a cousin in Colorado.
GENERAL REVIEW : Eben’s search for wonders in his small farming town gives a delightful view of his family and friends. He discovers not only surprising objects but more importantly amazing stories from the people he has known in Sassafras Springs all his life. He also discovers aspects of his father and aunt he had never imagined. This book captures the feeling of living in a rural 1923 Missouri community in both words and illustrations. It adds a touch of magic to fun story of discovery and growth.
THEMES: Wonder, Country life, Family life, Neighbors
AUTHOR INFORMATION: Betty Birney grew up listening to her grandmothers stories of growing up in the small town of Lonedell, Missouri. From these stories grew the town of Sassafras Springs and the wonderful characters that lived there. She lives in Studio City, California with her family and is a screen writer for both live-action and animated television programs for children. For more information and some wonderful photos check out her website www.bettybirney.com.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS : Standard 3 Benchmark 3
What do you know about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Which ones would you like to be able to see?
What wonders exist in your community? How could you go about uncovering them?
Do you think you would like living in Sassafras Springs? Why or why not? If you could accompany Eben on his search for wonders which person would you spend the most time talking to? Why?
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
Research the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and make a diorama to show them. Standard 5, Benchmark 3
Explore your community and compile a list of the seven most interesting ones you find. Make a display with photos, stories or models for each wonder. Standard 1, Benchmark 3
Eben was rewarded for his success by being able to go to St. Louis on the train. Imagine you earned a weeks vacation anywhere in the world. Plan an itinerary and research travel arrangements, housing options, and sight seeing opportunities for this trip. Make a scrapbook of this imaginary trip complete with photos, schedules and expenses. Standard 1, Benchmark 3; Standard 5, Benchmark 3