The Magnificent Glass Globe

Gr 4–7—A fantasy story about 11-year-old Mary, who yearns to travel to the Amazon rain forest. The beginning of the story is set in present-day South Carolina, where Mary Tucker, her brother Ike, and her best friend Helen play games in the museum where Mary's and Helen's fathers work. When Mary stumbles upon a glass globe in the museum storehouse while trying to evade a dangerous thief, she accidentally transports herself and her companions to the Amazon rain forest. What follows is a thrilling exploration of the culture of South America and the rain forest. Mary is the only character who is developed with any depth. The trio's adventure is fast-paced and emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation. The straightforward plot moves quickly through moments of magic, intrigue, danger, and relief, with pithy lessons about the wonder of nature and cultural respect sprinkled throughout.