I hadn't heard of this book until Sonlight assigned it. It is destined to be one of our favorites. An adventurous tale told with fun humor and edge of the seat excitement.

Book 34 of 2024: The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

Such a delightful read! Ideal for all ages. Historical events, fun situations, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments. Thanks for recommending this Daphne King.

My nine year old boy and I loved this one. Funny and charming.

Loved this book--it was a great read-aloud. The one thing that made me sad was the father, but I love that he found a family when he didn't have one. "Heartwarming" applies.

This was hilarious! Excellent as an audiobook.
After completing the third grade for the fourth time, fifteen year old Simon Green is summarily graduated by his teacher. “Go out in the world and spread your wings, Simon,” she says. She is sorry to see him go, Simon has always been her kindest and most helpful student. (After all, he single-handedly cuts all the firewood in the winter.) Once Simon finds that Missouri turkeys sell for twenty times the local price in the hungry boom town of Denver, he hatches his first business scheme. Even at fifteen, Simon towers over his uncle and cousins, but they tease him about being all brawn and no brains. No one thinks Simon has much chance of success except his teacher. She has such faith that she invests her entire life savings of $250 in a flock of 1,000 birds for Simon to herd by foot all the way to Denver. Along the way Simon meets up with a host of colorful characters including a runaway slave, Indians, the U.S. Cavalry, lions, tigers, camels, and the father who abandoned him when his mother died 10 years ago. Will Simple Simon fail miserably in the real world or surprise everyone?

So much fun! A MG novel showcasing found family. This is a great boy read- full of adventure and humor.

This is a great book for 5th graders! The story and characters are heartwarming and funny. The writing style also makes a great teacher read-aloud!

An EXCELLENT read! My 11 year old absolutely loved it! It was a wonderful book to share in together and I'm so glad we found it! Clean but a little rough around the ages- a perfect coming of age book to read together.

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr (2000)