Reviews

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G. Birney, Matt Phelan

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mary00's review against another edition

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3.0

A great book to share with children. It is simple, well written and has an uplifting message.

readwithtabi's review against another edition

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5.0

Okay this was a super cute children's book about finding wonders right in your own backyard! It definitely has an old-timey feel, I was surprised to find out it was written in 2005.

echo_finished_cake's review against another edition

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3.0

A very good childrens' book about being proud of where you came from. I highly recommend for all elementary teachers!

thecactusprincess's review against another edition

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4.0

The Good:
I enjoyed the emphasis on the local and the home town history. The stories were cute and interesting and encouraged the thoughts of the reader to think about their own '7 wonders'. The character of Eben was relate-able, I mean who wouldn't want to leave a small town and look for something more. I enjoyed the unabashed biblical references because you really can't secularize the small town in the 1920's in America. I liked that. I was very true to life and a great casual read.

The Bad:
The book is a bit slow for a children's book so many won't find it interesting. I doubt I could even wrangle my 7th grade cousin to read this book. The story is sort of slow. Some of the stories are far fetched... so if your looking for true to life, the stories at least probably aren't for you. There isn't much action so its definitely a slower read. Many kids may not find the small town very relate able, coming from a small every thing background I didn't mind it but since public schools are a bit large these days it might be hard for some kids to understand the dynamic of a small town.

bethgiven's review against another edition

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4.0

Eben lives in the quiet, boring town of Sassafras Springs, but he longs for adventure: to explore the world and see its wonders. His Pa wisely challenges him to look for "wonders" right at home in Sassafras Springs, sweetening the invitation with a prize: if Eben can find seven wonders in seven days, he will be allowed to visit some cousins in Colorado, a big trip that Eben is excited about. But Eben is also skeptical -- could there really be any wonders in sleepy Sassafras Springs? Ultimately he discovers that there are plenty of wonderful things about his hometown, after all.

My nine-year-old and I read this aloud for Battle of the Books this year. He ended up a lot more interested and engaged than I thought he would be (when we finished, he gave this book four and a half stars, which skewed my rating up a little!). I did think the message of looking for small wonders in your everyday life was a sweet one.

allieeveryday's review against another edition

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3.0

I started reading "Wonders" because I needed something light to read before bedtime while I was reading "The Shining." (What! I don't want nightmares!) Eben is the son of a farmer, and has never left Sassafras Springs, Mo. He dreams of traveling to see the Seven Wonders of the World. His dad offers to buy him a train ticket to visit relatives in Colorado on one condition: Eben must find seven wonderful things about the town he lives in, or he'll never be able to appreciate the wonderful things somewhere else. His search brings up whimsical items and memories, and inspires the whole town to get involved. It was a cute book.