What event catapults the Beckett family into such a state? The arrival of a letter from distant Chicago-and not just a letter, an invitation from Mama's elusive, wealthy sister Aunt Euterpe. Granddad emits a strangled sound, 13-year-old Rosie pitches right off her chair, and young Buster just vibrates. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. This marvelously funny story set in 1893 paints an accurate picture of a small Illinois farm and of the first World's Fair.” School Library Journal

Peck's unforgettable characters, cunning dialogue and fast-paced action will keep readers of all ages in stitches as he captures a colorful chapter in American history.” Publishers WeeklyĪn engaging historical novel that will please a wider audience than the target age group.” Booklist (starred review) There, amidst the breathtaking Ferris wheel and other wonders of the fair, Rosie discovers the world and herself, while coming face-to-face with some of the era's most famous people including showgirl Lillian Russell and Colonel William F. On the brink of adulthood (not to mention a whole new century), Rosie makes her first trip to the big city, along with her wide-eyed siblings and their rascally old granddad. Here is a tour de force that combines the real people of the time with an enormously engaging new fictional family, spinning them all into a whirlwind of humor, misadventure, and charms beyond measure. Now the master of historical fiction transports us to the1890s, to the Chicago World's Fair and its incredible mix of personalities and new inventions that gave glimpses of the future.

In his celebrated, Newbery-winning novels A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago, Richard Peck carried us happily back to the Midwest of the 1930s. From Newbery Medal-winning author Richard Peck comes a dazzling slice of American History, set during the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.

Fair Weather by Richard Peck