For a child who thinks their small town or everyday life is boring, this book sparks imagination, encouraging them to discover the magic hidden in familiar places.
A parent might reach for this book when their child complains of being bored or feels that their own town is uninteresting. This charming story, set in 1923, follows eleven-year-old Eben McAllister, who yearns for adventure far beyond his small Missouri farm. His father challenges him: find seven man-made wonders right there in Sassafras Springs, and he'll win a train ticket to see the world. As Eben sets out on his quest, he uncovers the extraordinary stories and hidden treasures within his own community, learning to see the magic in the familiar. This book beautifully explores themes of curiosity, gratitude, and the power of imagination, making it a perfect read for children aged 8 to 12. It's a gentle, heartwarming tale that encourages kids to appreciate their own history and find wonder in their everyday lives.
The protagonist's mother died before the story begins. This is a background fact, not an active plot.
Sensitive Topics
The death of Eben's mother, which occurred before the story begins, is a background fact of his family life. The approach is gentle and direct, presented as a past sadness rather than an active grief. Other characters tell stories involving past hardships and losses (e.g., in the Civil War), but these are framed within the context of resilience and memory. The overall resolution of the book is deeply hopeful, focusing on connection and newfound appreciation.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an 8-to-11-year-old who feels their life or town is boring and yearns for something more. It's also well-suited for a child who loves history, family stories, or scavenger hunts, or one who is preparing for a move and feeling sad about leaving home, as it models finding the value in one's current surroundings.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The historical context is woven seamlessly into the narrative. A parent can hand this book to a child without needing to pre-read or provide context. It's a great catalyst for conversations about family or local history after reading. A parent hears their child say, "I'm so bored," "Nothing ever happens here," or "I wish we lived somewhere exciting." The child might seem disconnected from their community or dismissive of their own everyday life.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will focus on the adventure of the scavenger hunt, the mystery of each wonder, and the satisfying feeling of discovery. An older reader (10-12) will better grasp the deeper themes: the importance of oral history, the idea that objects hold stories, and the nuanced understanding that home is defined by people and their shared past.
What Makes It Special
While many children's books feature adventures that involve leaving home, this story's genius lies in its premise of finding adventure by staying put and looking closer. It uniquely champions the quiet, introspective journey of discovery within one's own community. Its celebration of intergenerational connection and local history as the true source of wonder sets it apart.
Read plot summary
Eleven-year-old Eben McAllister, bored with his 1923 farm life in Sassafras Springs, Missouri, dreams of seeing the world. His father makes a deal: find seven man-made wonders within their small town in one week, and he'll get a train ticket to visit the Seven Wonders of the World. Eben's quest leads him to interview his neighbors, uncovering the fascinating, personal stories behind seemingly ordinary objects like a carved bookcase, a unique weathervane, and a doll that saved a life. Through this scavenger hunt, Eben's perspective shifts from restlessness to a deep appreciation for the history, community, and hidden magic of his own home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the start of the book, what kind of things did Eben think made something a 'wonder'? How did his definition of a 'wonder' change by the end?
2
Eben had to ask his neighbors for help to find the wonders. How did listening to their stories change how he felt about his town and the people in it?
3
Which of the seven wonders of Sassafras Springs was your favorite, and why did that one seem special to you?
4
At the end, Eben wins the trip. Do you think he still wants to leave Sassafras Springs as much as he did at the beginning? Why or why not?
5
If you had to find seven wonders in your own neighborhood or town, what kind of things would you look for?
