What do you think?
Rate this book
Fair Weather
Thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett has never strayed further from her family's farm than a horse can pull a cart. Then a letter from her Aunt Euterpe arrives, and everything changes. It's 1893, the year of the World's Columbian Exposition-the "wonder of the age"-a.k.a. the Chicago World's Fair. Aunt Euterpe is inviting the Becketts to come for a visit and go to the fair! Award-winning author Richard Peck's fresh, realistic, and fun-filled writing truly brings the World's Fair-and Rosie and her family-to life.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
44 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
Richard Peck
112 books729 followersRichard Peck was an American novelist known for his prolific contributions to modern young adult literature. He was awarded the Newbery Medal in 2001 for his novel A Year Down Yonder. For his cumulative contribution to young-adult literature, he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1990.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
January 11, 2020
The fair in this title is one of the biggest - the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Ever since I read The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America, I've thrilled to any mention of that great World's Fair. What an amazing spectacle it was, and what a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime event it would have been to attend.
The three Beckett children get to have that experience, thanks to their Aunt Euterpe, who pities them for having seen nothing of the world. She's a right proper woman who's still wearing her widow's weeds four years after the death of her husband. Horribly taken advantage of by her hired help, Euterpe's fondest wish is to be a member of "society." (What the lonely woman needs is some friends, and a good dose of self confidence.) Unwittingly at first, her two nieces help her to emerge from her shell.
We see the story unfold through thirteen-year-old Rosie's eyes, and if you've ever read anything by Peck, you know that his female protagonists tend to be spunky observers who don't hold back their opinions. The other delightful character is Granddad, a wily old coot who's got the hots for Lillian Russell. Together this family has a marvelous time enjoying the fair, and it proves to be an unforgettable experience for all.
And happily, no one encounters H.H. Holmes.
The three Beckett children get to have that experience, thanks to their Aunt Euterpe, who pities them for having seen nothing of the world. She's a right proper woman who's still wearing her widow's weeds four years after the death of her husband. Horribly taken advantage of by her hired help, Euterpe's fondest wish is to be a member of "society." (What the lonely woman needs is some friends, and a good dose of self confidence.) Unwittingly at first, her two nieces help her to emerge from her shell.
We see the story unfold through thirteen-year-old Rosie's eyes, and if you've ever read anything by Peck, you know that his female protagonists tend to be spunky observers who don't hold back their opinions. The other delightful character is Granddad, a wily old coot who's got the hots for Lillian Russell. Together this family has a marvelous time enjoying the fair, and it proves to be an unforgettable experience for all.
And happily, no one encounters H.H. Holmes.
March 16, 2023
Lottie pulled back and put her hands in her lap. We'd never been on a train. We'd been only as far as a horse could pull our Studebaker wagon. We'd been to Decatur once and got lost, and we'd been to Taylorville. We'd been to the Mt. Auburn Picnic. That was about the size of it. To hear him tell it, Granddad had been everywhere. But Aunt Euterpe hadn't invited him to Chicago. (PG 16)
Since discovering Richard Peck I have loved all his works. This is actually not one of his best, character wise, but I still enjoyed it. It's a fun laid back read. He really knows how to speak as a young girl.
The story is about three siblings that would be considered country hicks. They have never been anywhere and then they get a letter from lonely Aunt Euterpe. That's right, Euterpe. She wants them to stay with her in Chicago to see the first ever World's Columbian Exposition. Momma agrees and that's when they have many experiences they never knew existed with lots of memorable famous people I had to Google. Grandpa makes the novel more hilarious and enjoyable.
(SIDE NOTE::: This is also the stomping ground of serial killer Herman Mudgett, AKA Dr. Henry Howard Holmes** 16 May 1861- 07 May 1896** This fair was a goldmine for his sadistic nature.)
My Final Thoughts::: All this talk about the famous 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and no mention of Nikola Tesla at the Westinghouse Electric display?? He powered the whole fair through his AC generators and not one mention of him? Definitely needs the 1 star knocked off. Bummer of the author.
The rich thieves like Edison get all the praise… ugh
BUUUUTTTT.... I Recommend.
Since discovering Richard Peck I have loved all his works. This is actually not one of his best, character wise, but I still enjoyed it. It's a fun laid back read. He really knows how to speak as a young girl.
The story is about three siblings that would be considered country hicks. They have never been anywhere and then they get a letter from lonely Aunt Euterpe. That's right, Euterpe. She wants them to stay with her in Chicago to see the first ever World's Columbian Exposition. Momma agrees and that's when they have many experiences they never knew existed with lots of memorable famous people I had to Google. Grandpa makes the novel more hilarious and enjoyable.
(SIDE NOTE::: This is also the stomping ground of serial killer Herman Mudgett, AKA Dr. Henry Howard Holmes** 16 May 1861- 07 May 1896** This fair was a goldmine for his sadistic nature.)
My Final Thoughts::: All this talk about the famous 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and no mention of Nikola Tesla at the Westinghouse Electric display?? He powered the whole fair through his AC generators and not one mention of him? Definitely needs the 1 star knocked off. Bummer of the author.
The rich thieves like Edison get all the praise… ugh
BUUUUTTTT.... I Recommend.
September 12, 2013
Richard Peck is what I call the Norman Rockwell of authors. He always brings a sense of nostalgia to his works and evokes a warm feeling as you read his stories. "Fair Weather: is another tale that does the same.
It is 1893, Chicago hosted what was called "The World's Columbian Exposition" or other wise known as "The World's Fair." Also on a farm in Indiana, thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett and her family received a letter from their Aunt Euterpe who was a widower and lived in Chicago. Rosie had never strayed far from the family farm, but with this letter from her aunt, everything changes. Aunt Euterpe's letter was sent to invite the Becketts to come for a visit and go to the fair! Her mother, her sister and brother were invited, but her mother, the night before their planned departure, decides that she would not accompany them. The adventure also see another twist as their fun loving and yet a bit crazy grandfather takes the ticket planned for their mother and uses it for himself.
It is a heart warming tale of family, love and life's lessons learned.
A typical Richard Peck book. Fun to read, but one that is for those YAs who love a good story and historical fiction.
It is 1893, Chicago hosted what was called "The World's Columbian Exposition" or other wise known as "The World's Fair." Also on a farm in Indiana, thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett and her family received a letter from their Aunt Euterpe who was a widower and lived in Chicago. Rosie had never strayed far from the family farm, but with this letter from her aunt, everything changes. Aunt Euterpe's letter was sent to invite the Becketts to come for a visit and go to the fair! Her mother, her sister and brother were invited, but her mother, the night before their planned departure, decides that she would not accompany them. The adventure also see another twist as their fun loving and yet a bit crazy grandfather takes the ticket planned for their mother and uses it for himself.
It is a heart warming tale of family, love and life's lessons learned.
A typical Richard Peck book. Fun to read, but one that is for those YAs who love a good story and historical fiction.
March 4, 2015
Sweet little story about a rural family of three children who, with their grandfather and aunt, experience the joys of the Chicago World's Fair. I’m a little surprised that Richard Peck wrote this; it feels like the shadow of A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder. Interesting topic, but the characters aren’t as fully developed as I like and much of the plot hangs on coincidence. I liked it, but overall I’d call it weak.
November 30, 2016
You can't go wrong with Richard Peck. I mean, you really can't. In this absolutely charming exploration of Chicago society vs. rural farm life, and of course an exploration of the great Chicago fair! Richard Peck is remarkable to me for the clear, strong voice he gives to his main characters, who are nearly always young girls. He absolutely nails it here, and gives this book all the charm (and cranky grandparents) that made his LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO so great.
December 10, 2025
I loved this book so much! Richard Peck does such a good job of combining humor with history. This would be such a good book for elementary teachers to use to teach students about the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.
The story is about Rosie (age 13), her sister Lottie (age 16), and her younger brother Buster (age 6), along with Grandad (age -- who knows?!) who live in rural central Illinois, being invited by their widowed aunt to come to Chicago to attend the World's Fair for "educational purposes" -- and FUN ensues!
The storytelling is wonderful, the humor had me laughing out loud, and the incorporation of history is fascinating! I learned so much. I knew some about this wonderful event, but this book along with the author's notes at the end of the book made it so real. And I think young students (along with older readers like me!) would love to learn about such historic events in this entertaining way.
I highly recommend it for all ages! :)
12-10-25 - I just read this one for the second time (for book club) and loved it again so much -- maybe more!! ;)
The story is about Rosie (age 13), her sister Lottie (age 16), and her younger brother Buster (age 6), along with Grandad (age -- who knows?!) who live in rural central Illinois, being invited by their widowed aunt to come to Chicago to attend the World's Fair for "educational purposes" -- and FUN ensues!
The storytelling is wonderful, the humor had me laughing out loud, and the incorporation of history is fascinating! I learned so much. I knew some about this wonderful event, but this book along with the author's notes at the end of the book made it so real. And I think young students (along with older readers like me!) would love to learn about such historic events in this entertaining way.
I highly recommend it for all ages! :)
12-10-25 - I just read this one for the second time (for book club) and loved it again so much -- maybe more!! ;)
July 11, 2016
This is a great, quick, informative read. But, read it for more than just that.
What I love about Richard Peck is he has found his niche, his cozy, creative writing style and he sticks with it. And it works perfectly for him. I enjoy just how many times I smile reading his stuff and how clever he is with his sayings. This book sparkles with wit and wisdom. I adore this man and his writing.
If you need a good present for your Mom, any of his books are a great idea. I guarantee she will love it.
Pg:44 Give me boys anytime. You know where you stand with boys.
What I love about Richard Peck is he has found his niche, his cozy, creative writing style and he sticks with it. And it works perfectly for him. I enjoy just how many times I smile reading his stuff and how clever he is with his sayings. This book sparkles with wit and wisdom. I adore this man and his writing.
If you need a good present for your Mom, any of his books are a great idea. I guarantee she will love it.
Pg:44 Give me boys anytime. You know where you stand with boys.
November 24, 2024
1958 saw the The Great Wheel, the final book of Robert Lawson's life and career, take home a Newbery Honor. More than forty years later another Newbery Medalist, Richard Peck, released Fair Weather, set around the same event: the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, where George Washington Gale Ferris debuted the engineering marvel that was the Ferris wheel. Nearly fourteen years of age, Rosie Beckett lives in rural Christian County, Illinois. Her sister Lottie, seventeen, shows serious interest in romance, but Rosie doesn't have her sights set on any boy just yet. The summer looks to be exciting, though, when Aunt Euterpe from Chicago invites the family to the World's Columbian Exposition in the city. Soon the two girls, their seven-year-old brother Buster, and Granddad Fuller are on a train for the Windy City.
Rosie can hardly believe Aunt Euterpe's house, a mansion that could accommodate a dozen families. She married a wealthy, much older gentleman who passed away in his eighties and left her the estate, but Aunt Euterpe is lonely. She is ostracized by female peers for the way she married, and doesn't wish to make a big entrance at the fair, but Granddad is a country farmer without sensitivity for such things. He hauls the family to the fair the first night in Chicago, and the scene is mesmerizing. The World's Columbian Exposition brims with exhibits of future technology, thrilling rides such as the Ferris wheel, and culinary options from every corner of the globe. Rosie wants to make the most of their time before boarding the train back to Christian County.
Granddad and Buster are eager to see Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show. Granddad claims he fought beside Buffalo Bill in the war, but could it be true? Rosie's ride on the Ferris wheel is a flight of glory, suspending her high above the fair so the world looks tiny, unreal. As the vacation continues, Rosie is distressed that she continues to unintentionally offend the society ladies Aunt Euterpe admires. Perhaps Rosie and her family can help reverse Aunt Euterpe's fortunes through a twist of fate that brings them all closer to their destinies. It's 1893, and the modern age is beginning. Will Rosie be ready?
Fair Weather isn't as thematically rich as Robert Lawson's The Great Wheel, but it's as good as Richard Peck's own Newbery winners. He has a flair for understated comedy and subtly artistic language, but his novels have never resonated with me as they seem to for others. No matter; Fair Weather is a pleasant read that I enjoyed.
Rosie can hardly believe Aunt Euterpe's house, a mansion that could accommodate a dozen families. She married a wealthy, much older gentleman who passed away in his eighties and left her the estate, but Aunt Euterpe is lonely. She is ostracized by female peers for the way she married, and doesn't wish to make a big entrance at the fair, but Granddad is a country farmer without sensitivity for such things. He hauls the family to the fair the first night in Chicago, and the scene is mesmerizing. The World's Columbian Exposition brims with exhibits of future technology, thrilling rides such as the Ferris wheel, and culinary options from every corner of the globe. Rosie wants to make the most of their time before boarding the train back to Christian County.
Granddad and Buster are eager to see Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show. Granddad claims he fought beside Buffalo Bill in the war, but could it be true? Rosie's ride on the Ferris wheel is a flight of glory, suspending her high above the fair so the world looks tiny, unreal. As the vacation continues, Rosie is distressed that she continues to unintentionally offend the society ladies Aunt Euterpe admires. Perhaps Rosie and her family can help reverse Aunt Euterpe's fortunes through a twist of fate that brings them all closer to their destinies. It's 1893, and the modern age is beginning. Will Rosie be ready?
Fair Weather isn't as thematically rich as Robert Lawson's The Great Wheel, but it's as good as Richard Peck's own Newbery winners. He has a flair for understated comedy and subtly artistic language, but his novels have never resonated with me as they seem to for others. No matter; Fair Weather is a pleasant read that I enjoyed.
March 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this book with a look at how country folks would see city life at the turn of the century along with seeing the Chicago World's Fair.
I felt like it had wonderful descriptions like you would enjoy in books such as Farmer Boy, but also just really understanding the overwhelming sense of the world moving too quickly and too much.
You run into well known characters such as Scott Joplin, Buffalo Bill, and a famous actress at that time that I learned about through this novel, Lillian Russell.
The chapter titles are hilarious. Grandpa reminds me of my family. And everything is just delightful and a pleasure to read. Really enjoyed.
I felt like it had wonderful descriptions like you would enjoy in books such as Farmer Boy, but also just really understanding the overwhelming sense of the world moving too quickly and too much.
You run into well known characters such as Scott Joplin, Buffalo Bill, and a famous actress at that time that I learned about through this novel, Lillian Russell.
The chapter titles are hilarious. Grandpa reminds me of my family. And everything is just delightful and a pleasure to read. Really enjoyed.
Read
February 24, 2015Currently top secret, obviously.
December 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this short book. It pulls you into the era and makes you feel like you are part of the adventure to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The story follows Rosie and her siblings as they are sent tickets by their aunt to come to Chicago to the fair. Rosie had never left her town and was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the fair. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone.
July 19, 2018
Yes I am on a historical fiction kick, how can you tell?
March 3, 2013
Short & Sweet: Richard Peck's books are well known to librarians everywhere, but his books rarely seem to be checked out by students at my elementary school. I loved the way this book was written, taking you back to the time period with the setting, characters and even the writing of dialogue within. Readers that are interested in Chicago's past will enjoy this novel. I think Peck's books are fantastic books to share on the topic of historical fiction. I love the way the dialogue reflects the time period, along with the clothing and setting. I also think this is a great introduction to the way classes act in older times, a piece of history that I'm not sure younger readers have been introduced to.
Final Verdict: Definitely a beautifully written novel that not all readers will be ready for in elementary school. Upper elementary and middle school readers who enjoy history, especially set in Chicago, should be exposed to Peck's novels.
Final Verdict: Definitely a beautifully written novel that not all readers will be ready for in elementary school. Upper elementary and middle school readers who enjoy history, especially set in Chicago, should be exposed to Peck's novels.
March 21, 2009
I only got about half way through this book, and while it had some interesting/funny parts, I really didn't care about the characters. They were too weird or too annoying. So many books, so little time.
May 23, 2022
I love everything I have ever read by Richard Peck. He’s one of my favorite authors, a wonderful story teller and how I fell in love with reading in the first place. A long way from Chicago made me fall in love with reading. This book was similar to that, set in the late 1800s, I love reading about that time period, especially how they gathered and prepared food. This book was not only enjoyable but informative too, I love how he tells a story with the most wonderful characters but also teaches you something too. The Columbian Exposition was a turning point in history. This is historical fiction told in an attention grabbing, comical, and heart warming way. I’m determined to own and read everything he has ever wrote. RIP, Richard Peck and thank you so very much for your books that made me the reader that I am. ♥️
April 14, 2017
Lovely little book. I picked it as a [much more light-hearted!] follow-up to Erik Larson's Devil in the White City, since this novel also takes place at the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition, and it was a great choice. You get to experience the fair through the eyes of a rural tween (long before "tween" was a word...ha) and I really think that's the best way to experience it. How else could a 21st-century reader grasp the marvel of seeing electricity for the very first time?! Or seeing the curve of the earth on the very first Ferris Wheel?
Also, this book had me laughing out loud. Rosie's Granddad was frickin' hilarious. This book may be intended for a younger audience but it's so worth the read.
Also, this book had me laughing out loud. Rosie's Granddad was frickin' hilarious. This book may be intended for a younger audience but it's so worth the read.
March 7, 2019
This was a quick, easy historical fiction recounting the Chicago World’d Fair. It was filled with family dynamics, that at times made me laugh (eg. The grandad tagging along for the ride). It was interesting to read about that period of time and things like buying dresses already made was strange. I really liked the descriptions of the fair, particularly as all the things there were so new to Rosie and her family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2018
A story about a family in 1893 who are invited by their aunt to go to the Chicago World Fair. For anyone who enjoys old-fashioned stories that move at a leisurely pace this would be a good choice.
This would also be a good choice for students who are studying that time period in US history.
This would also be a good choice for students who are studying that time period in US history.
December 28, 2017
Great road trip audio book!
April 4, 2021
This was excellent as a read aloud.
November 16, 2023
Such an enjoyable little slice of life historical fiction.
May 28, 2025
No one writes characters like Richard Peck. So good.
July 4, 2018
Wanted a quick book for a weekend car ride..and this Richard Peck story about 3 country kids heading to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was just right. I fell in love with Peck’s books back when I was reading to the kids.. his “A Long Way From Chicago”.. is an all time favorite!
July 19, 2019
Rosie Beckett is from the country. She has never known anything else. When the Chicago World's Fair opens and her aunt invites Rosie and her sister up to visit, her mother decides to allow this trip. Along, uninvited, is the girl's grandfather and her little brother. This book does a good job of painting the awe that Rosie feels with the big city and some prejudices that come along with life in that era. A nice story but not my usual genre.
Read
October 4, 2020Good Morning! Welcome to the Morning Show hosted by Gabby Ahitow. Today’s guest is 13 years old Rosie Beckett from southern Illinois. She traveled all the way to Chicago to attend the World’s Fair with her siblings and grandfather. Let's hear from Mrs. Beckett right now.
Reporter: Hello Mrs. Beckett!
Rosie: Hello.
Reporter: So what is a country girl like yourself doing in the big city?
Rosie: My generous Aunt Euterpe sent my mother a letter with train tickets so we could come to visit her and attend the World Fair, my mother was not able to come.
Reporter: How has Chicago been different from your hometown?
Rosie: At home, we wake up with the roosters, cook our breakfast, and clean but people here don’t seem to do that work themselves. And the people here are more serious and have their noses in the air. They don’t get to swing from trees or play in the dirt.
Reporter: How have you enjoyed the world’s fair?
Rosie: Well, granddad and Buster liked visiting Old Vienna, a restaurant in Midway. Lotti and I enjoyed seeing all the women in their beautiful clothes and visiting the Women’s Building.
Reporter: I heard that you went to the Turkish pavilion for tea, what was that experience like?
Rosie: Seeing all the women so proper and posed was something I’d never seen before. I introduced myself to Mrs. Palmer, but that didn’t end very well.
Reporter: What was your first reaction to the letter your aunt sent your family?
Rosie: I almost fainted at the dinner table. I have never left my town and going to Chicago was something I never thought would happen.
Reporter: What words would you use to describe the fair?
Rosie: I would use colorful, abnormal, and world-renowned
Reporter: Why those words?
Rosie: Colorful because of all the tents and outfits of the spectators. The fair is abnormal for me because I’ve never seen anything so spectacular. And world-renowned because the entire world is talking about this fair and everyone wants to be here.
Reporter: (Looks over to see granddad and Tip, the dog) Tell me about the dog, how did you get a dog all the way to Chicago?
Rosie: Well that’s a long story but let’s just say Aunt Euterpe was not very happy about it.
Reporter: Okay let’s start to wrap this up, but I wanted to ask you if you have learned anything from the fair?
Rosie: I have learned that there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm?
Reporter: Now how did you learn that this week?
Rosie: Well, when the Chicago Fire happened no one wanted to come to Chicago and it took a while for Chicago to be rebuilt. Now that the World’s Fair was held here, everyone wants to be here. Plus, I’ve had a couple of personal experiences this week that has changed me.
Reporter: Well, that’s all folk. Remember you can still get your fair tickets at the fair entrance. Thank you for joining us, Rosie Beckett!
If you are interested in learning a little history and joining the Beckett family for an adventure then “Fair Weather” by Richard Peck is the story for you. This book is on the shorter side but is a very lighthearted novel and will make you laugh.
THIS A FICTIONALIZED INTERVIEW DONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW
Reporter: Hello Mrs. Beckett!
Rosie: Hello.
Reporter: So what is a country girl like yourself doing in the big city?
Rosie: My generous Aunt Euterpe sent my mother a letter with train tickets so we could come to visit her and attend the World Fair, my mother was not able to come.
Reporter: How has Chicago been different from your hometown?
Rosie: At home, we wake up with the roosters, cook our breakfast, and clean but people here don’t seem to do that work themselves. And the people here are more serious and have their noses in the air. They don’t get to swing from trees or play in the dirt.
Reporter: How have you enjoyed the world’s fair?
Rosie: Well, granddad and Buster liked visiting Old Vienna, a restaurant in Midway. Lotti and I enjoyed seeing all the women in their beautiful clothes and visiting the Women’s Building.
Reporter: I heard that you went to the Turkish pavilion for tea, what was that experience like?
Rosie: Seeing all the women so proper and posed was something I’d never seen before. I introduced myself to Mrs. Palmer, but that didn’t end very well.
Reporter: What was your first reaction to the letter your aunt sent your family?
Rosie: I almost fainted at the dinner table. I have never left my town and going to Chicago was something I never thought would happen.
Reporter: What words would you use to describe the fair?
Rosie: I would use colorful, abnormal, and world-renowned
Reporter: Why those words?
Rosie: Colorful because of all the tents and outfits of the spectators. The fair is abnormal for me because I’ve never seen anything so spectacular. And world-renowned because the entire world is talking about this fair and everyone wants to be here.
Reporter: (Looks over to see granddad and Tip, the dog) Tell me about the dog, how did you get a dog all the way to Chicago?
Rosie: Well that’s a long story but let’s just say Aunt Euterpe was not very happy about it.
Reporter: Okay let’s start to wrap this up, but I wanted to ask you if you have learned anything from the fair?
Rosie: I have learned that there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm?
Reporter: Now how did you learn that this week?
Rosie: Well, when the Chicago Fire happened no one wanted to come to Chicago and it took a while for Chicago to be rebuilt. Now that the World’s Fair was held here, everyone wants to be here. Plus, I’ve had a couple of personal experiences this week that has changed me.
Reporter: Well, that’s all folk. Remember you can still get your fair tickets at the fair entrance. Thank you for joining us, Rosie Beckett!
If you are interested in learning a little history and joining the Beckett family for an adventure then “Fair Weather” by Richard Peck is the story for you. This book is on the shorter side but is a very lighthearted novel and will make you laugh.
THIS A FICTIONALIZED INTERVIEW DONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW
October 9, 2012
Fair Weather - Another delightful book from Newbery-winning author, Richard Peck! I had to read this after his exceptionally funny “Long Way from Chicago” and “A Year Down Yonder.”
Loved this book also! Not the laugh-out-loud-even-if-you’re-reading-alone category (like the other two), but absolutely entertaining non-the less. Wonderful characters take us back to a time not even on my radar. Didn’t matter!
I knew absolutely NOTHING about the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Couldn’t tell you WHERE it was held, that there even WAS one, or ANYTHING about what it brought that affects our lives today. It was a delightful adventure of history that taught me lots of stuff that I shared with my husband: “Did you know that ---- and --- came about because of that Exposition?” How cool! And the ending was so much fun!
A fun and quick read for ages 8-108!
Loved this book also! Not the laugh-out-loud-even-if-you’re-reading-alone category (like the other two), but absolutely entertaining non-the less. Wonderful characters take us back to a time not even on my radar. Didn’t matter!
I knew absolutely NOTHING about the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Couldn’t tell you WHERE it was held, that there even WAS one, or ANYTHING about what it brought that affects our lives today. It was a delightful adventure of history that taught me lots of stuff that I shared with my husband: “Did you know that ---- and --- came about because of that Exposition?” How cool! And the ending was so much fun!
A fun and quick read for ages 8-108!
June 14, 2016
Fair Weather is another solid Richard Peck children's novel. Chicago once again plays a role in Peck's tale; in fact, it's a very big role. The novel is set in 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition, or World Fair, in Chicago. Three country kids wind up in the Windy City for the fair along with their boisterous granddad and his dog, Tip. The novel is told from the perspective of the middle child, Rosie, who is about to turn 14. The book is full of humor, yet what I enjoyed the most was following along as Rosie and her older sister Lottie grow and change and expand their worldviews thanks to the sights and events surrounding the fair.
Read
May 14, 2015The book Fair Weather by Richard Peck is a pretty good book. It is about this girl named Rosie Beckett who recieves a letter from her aunt Eutrepe to go the a fair in Chicago 1893. Her mother had a very tough time deciding weather or not they are going to go. Their are only 3 train tickets so her dad and grandpa will not be able to go. Her mother decided yo go to the fair. When they arrived it was so pretty. They all went to the fair snd had a great time. They came back home and Rosie would never forget the marveles summer she had.
I didn`t really like the book but I will recomend this book to people who like history. All in all, this book is the best non fiction book I have ever read.
I didn`t really like the book but I will recomend this book to people who like history. All in all, this book is the best non fiction book I have ever read.
June 1, 2011
It's a great history lesson about the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.Peck is good with description and atmospherics that really put you in the scene without being too wordy. The narrator is a 14 year old farm girl from rural Illinois who tells the story of how her family came to visit their estranged aunt in the big city and experienced the fair. Of course, it's a YA book and short so the plot is neatly wrapped up in the end and everyone lives happily ever after, but I didn't mind because the story is so good and illuminates one ofmy favorite periods in American history.
March 18, 2021
A am a huge fan of Peck's A Long Way From Chicago trilogy, so I picked up this book to see if I liked his other YA books. In this story, the circumstances are flipped- this time three siblings leave the countryside to go visit their widowed aunt and grandfather and attend the 1893 Chicago's World Fair. There are a lot of eccentric characters and lessons to be learned about city life, and this was an enjoyable romp that led me to read more of Peck's work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews