The charm of this story lies in Mortimer's erratic magic and the children's clever defiance of cruel adults during a chaotic journey across the frontier. Books in this family share an adventurous spirit, featuring eccentric mentors and sentient, unpredictable objects that turn a cross-country escape into a humorous test of wits.
Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not quite fit in or is longing for a sense of belonging and home. In this whimsical historical adventure set in 1893, orphaned siblings Joshua and Amy flee their unkind aunt in South Dakota, embarking on a cross-country journey to New York City. They are guided by Mortimer Wintergreen, a traveling magician whose hat possesses a mind of its own. While the story is filled with humorous mishaps and magical wonder, it strikes a deep emotional chord regarding the meaning of family and the resilience required to find where you truly belong. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy classic storytelling with a touch of the unpredictable.
