Eben can't stop looking at a book he got that highlights the seven wonders of the world (the original wonders). The book is set, I think 1920ish. Eben has not been anywhere, and he doesn't think a whole heap of good thoughts about tiny little Sassafras Springs. So his dad makes a bet with him. You have 7 days (God created the world in 7 days) to find 7 seven wonders of Sassafras Springs in exchange for a train ticket to Colorado.

Eben is bound and determined to get that trip, so he sets off with Sal (his dog) to find some wonders. He finds wonders but he really finds pride in Sassafras Springs, a love for his teeny tiny town and that even talking about the wonders got his whole town all fired up. Wonders can be found anywhere, you just have to look for them.

Initially I did not warm to Eben's character, but he was upset and feeling sorry for himself. As the book progressed I cared a whole lot for Eben, and I was very glad I read this book. I have been encouraging other young people to read it. Of course I'm always encouraging grown ups to read young people's literature, occassionally I have a few I win over.

After this book we went on a Wonder hunt, we found 10, took pictures and emailed them to our friends and family who do not live near us.

If used in the classroom, this book could be a good project inspiration book.

My ten-year-old son and I loved this audio book. We couldn't wait to hear about all the "wonderfuls". Highly recommended.

So I am a sucker for all those downhome novels celebrating small-town life. Oh well. This book fits that niche of mine well as it blatantly declares to the world that even the most simple of places may be hiding something extraordinary. Granted, the discoveries made here would probably be the mock and scorn of more civilized areas, but they held a sweetly strong spirit that appealed to my sense of story-telling. The writing is bright, cheerful, and expressive. I was impressed by the assortment of well-drawn characters complete with their personal drama, humor, and mysteries. I expected a pretty caged plot, but the story was loose enough, depending on its characters with their individual stories, to let itself become entrenched in emotions. It's not at the level of Kate DiCamillo or Richard Peck, but Ms. Birney did make something pretty darn sweet.

Our town chooses a book each winter, which they call the "One Book, One Community Project". We just moved here so this is our 1st and I am very excited about the project. As soon as I heard about it, I went to the library and checked out the book. Even before my 3rd grader started it in school. The book is so engaging and really gets your imagination juices flowing. I really am enjoying the events our community is putting together that tie into the Wonders of Sassafras Springs. We have projects like finding wonders, Applehead doll making & discussion groups. We even had a woman play the saw at our kickoff party.
I went out and bought the book and the same day my 3rd grader picked it up and did not put it down until he completed reading all 200+ pages.
Today we will be making an Appledoll instead of watching tv or playing video games.

This book was easy to read and a great story. My mom and I read it together. We both enjoyed it.The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs