Fair Weather by Richard Peck

Summary: 
The story begins in 1893.  In the thirteen years of her life, Rosie Beckett has never traveled farther from her farm than a horse could take her in one day. This all changes when a letter arrives from her rich Aunt Euterpe in Chicago, inviting Rosie and her siblings to come visit for a week to see the World's Columbian Exposition.  Aunt Euterpe wants the family to attend the 1893 Chicago World's Fair! At first, Rosie's mother does not want them to go but eventually gives in and allows them to experience the chance of a lifetime.  For a country girl impressed by getting to travel on a train, the marvels of the World's Fair are almost too incredible to believe.  Things seem to change when their rascally Grandfather, a Civil War veteran surprises them all when he appears on the train at Bulldog Crossing, the next train stop.  He flags down the train and climbs aboard.  The old geezer is dressed in cream-colored suit and Panama hat ready to go to Chicago. He purloined the extra ticket, originally sent for their children's mother and supposedly returned to Aunt Euterpe. Granddad on the farm is scary enough so having him in Chicago at the fair is a frightening and disappointing thought for the girls.
Aunt Euterpe, who has been under the thumb of her own staff and longs to be recognized by society, is soon relieved of her surly and lazy cook when her company shows up. Lottie takes charge of the kitchen with Rosie to help, and Granddad and Buster take charge of entertainment.  Throughout the story the girls send their parents postcards from the historical momuments they visit.  Whether they can pull a happy ending out of their hysterical and adventurous trip remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure. None of them will ever be the same after it's over.
     
Mrs. Garza's Thoughts:
This book is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Rosie Beckett's family.  They have been invited so graciously by their Aunt Euterpe to attend the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. As I was reading the novel, I felt the excited the children endured when they received the letter with the train tickets to Chicago. Richard Peck used humor to keep readers motivated and interested in the storyline. My favorite part in the story is when the children receive the letter from their aunt. It can compare to winning the lottery. During this time period, children did not get to do spectacular things such as attend the World Fair or travel without their parents by train to another city! Everday is adventure after they receive that life changing invitation. I enjoyed the postcards sent by the girls and the real life pictures and events used throughout the novel. I was able to learn some historical facts that included real historical people.
Rosie and her family will forever remember their adventure in Chicago with their dear aunt. I also think the artwork on the cover attracks readers. Many young readers enjoy carnival rides so the ferris wheel on the front cover is good "eye candy" for young readers!