Escape to the World's Fair

This adventurous chapter book follows the resilient orphans of Wanderville as they navigate a perilous journey across America in 1904. Tired of being exploited by adults, they seek to establish their own permanent community in California. Their path takes an unexpected turn when they accept a mission to deliver a mysterious gold medallion to the St. Louis World's Fair, hoping the reward will fund their westward passage. With a persistent agent from the Society for Children's Aid and Relief (S-C-A-R) pursuing them, the children must rely on their wits, courage, and strong bonds of friendship to overcome challenges and find their way to a true home. It's a story of independence, found family, and perseverance against the odds.

"The orphans of Wanderville have decided never again to let themselves be misled by adults offering them shiny red apples and warm beds. They're going to make their way to California and establish a more permanent spot for Wanderville, one where the Society for Children's Aid and Relief (otherwise known as S-C-A-R) will never find them. But when the orphans are suddenly left without transportation, they must locate a new means of getting to their "town." Enter a dandy motorist with a proposition: If the orphans agree to take a mysterious gold medallion to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair on his behalf, they will receive a handsome reward that will allow them to book passage west. With a particularly relentless S-C-A-R agent on their tail and little hope of discovering other travel money, the citizens of Wanderville conclude that the motorist's offer is their best bet. What they don't realize, however, is just how treacherous the journey to the fair will be and how much they will need to sacrifice on the way to their new home."--Jacket flap.