Come See the Fair
on Goodreads (180)
What’s inside...
An unforgettable story of magic, mediums, and seances set during the Chicago World’s Fair from the author of the National Book Award finalist The Way Back. Twelve-year-old orphan Eva Root travels the country pretending to channel spirits at seances. Her audiences swear their loved ones have spoken to them from beyond the grave. This, of course, is impossible. But one day, Eva experiences another impossibility: she hears a voice in her head telling her to come to the World’s Fair in Chicago. There, she meets a mysterious magician who needs her help to bring magic to life. But as their work progresses, Eva begins to suspect that the project’s goals may not be as noble as they seem. And when tragedy strikes, Eva will have to reach beyond death itself to unravel the mystery of the magician’s plan—before it’s too late. From the author of the National Book finalist The Way Back comes a story of what to do when you get burned by the magic you’ve been looking for all your life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the fair in the book, and why?
If you could create your own fair, what activities and attractions would you include?
How did the characters in the book feel when they were at the fair? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
Why do you think fairs are important for communities?
What would you ask the characters if you could meet them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the fair scenes to life, mimicking sounds and actions described on the pages.
Ask your child to draw their version of a fair, incorporating elements from the book and their own imagination.
Encourage comparisons between the fair in the story and any real-life fair experiences, discussing similarities and differences.
Create a 'fair at home' game, where you and your child can play roles of different characters from the book and visit imaginary fair booths.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Throughout 'Come See the Fair,' children are introduced to various fair attractions and activities, showcasing the joy of exploring new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to engage enthusiastically with new experiences at school or outings.
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: The story emphasizes interactions among community members at the fair, highlighting social gatherings as a means to strengthen communal bonds.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of participating in community events and fostering relationships with neighbors and peers.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of cultural exhibits at the fair, such as local crafts and foods, educating children about diverse traditions and heritage.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and respect cultural diversity, inspiring them to learn more about different cultural backgrounds in their community.