The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs
By Betty G. Birney
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
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Table of Contents
About The Book
Life in Sassafras Springs has always been predictable, boring even, but one afternoon that changes when Eben McAllister's pa challenges him to find Seven Wonders in Sassafras that rival the real Seven Wonders of the World. The reward? An adventure that Eben's been craving -- a trip to Colorado.
Even doesn't think he'll have any luck -- he can't think of one single thing that could be considered wondrous in Sassafras -- but he's willing to try. Little does he know that the Wonders he'll discover among his neighbors, friends, relatives, and family will give him the adventure of a lifetime...without ever leaving his home.
Even doesn't think he'll have any luck -- he can't think of one single thing that could be considered wondrous in Sassafras -- but he's willing to try. Little does he know that the Wonders he'll discover among his neighbors, friends, relatives, and family will give him the adventure of a lifetime...without ever leaving his home.
Reading Group Guide
ABOUT THE BOOK
Twelve-year-old Eben McAllister dreams of faraway 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.
THEMES
Wonder; Country life; Family life; Neighbors
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• 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?
ACTIVITIES
• Research the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and make a diorama to show them.
• 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.
• Eben was rewarded for his success by being able to go to St. Louis on the train. Imagine you earned a week's vacation anywhere in the world. Plan an itinerary and research travel arrangements, housing options, and sightseeing opportunities for this trip. Make a scrapbook of this imaginary trip complete with photos, schedules, and expenses.
This reading group guide is for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.
Prepared by Arlene Wiler
© William Allen White Children's Book Award
Please visit http://www.emporia.edu/libsv/wawbookaward/ for more information about the awards and to see curriculum guides for other master list titles.
Twelve-year-old Eben McAllister dreams of faraway 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.
THEMES
Wonder; Country life; Family life; Neighbors
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• 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?
ACTIVITIES
• Research the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and make a diorama to show them.
• 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.
• Eben was rewarded for his success by being able to go to St. Louis on the train. Imagine you earned a week's vacation anywhere in the world. Plan an itinerary and research travel arrangements, housing options, and sightseeing opportunities for this trip. Make a scrapbook of this imaginary trip complete with photos, schedules, and expenses.
This reading group guide is for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.
Prepared by Arlene Wiler
© William Allen White Children's Book Award
Please visit http://www.emporia.edu/libsv/wawbookaward/ for more information about the awards and to see curriculum guides for other master list titles.
About The Author
Betty G. Birney
Betty G. Birney is an Emmy-winning screenwriter who specializes in live-action TV, and animation for children. She lives with her family in Studio City, California.
About The Illustrator
Matt Phelan
Matt Phelan's black-and-white illustrations first appeared in The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G. Birney. His picture books include The New Girl...and Me and Two of a Kind, both written by Jacqui Robbins. Matt lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (February 27, 2007)
- Length: 224 pages
- ISBN13: 9781416934899
- Ages: 8 - 12
Raves and Reviews
"Perfect for reading aloud."
-- School Library Journal
Awards and Honors
- Bank Street Best Books of the Year
- Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title
- Beehive Award Master List (UT)
- Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee (NH)
- California Collections
- ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee
- Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award Master List (VT)
- Massachusetts Children's Book Award Nominee
- Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor Book
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs Trade Paperback 9781416934899(1.8 MB)
