Social Imagination

"Makers of Many Things" by Eva March Tappan is a bright and timeless invitation to think about the things surrounding us. Excerpt from the book: "When a child can look at a steel pen not simply as an article furnished by the city for his use, but rather as the result of many interesting processes, he has made a distinct growth in intelligence. When he has begun to apprehend the fruitfulness of the earth, and the best way in which its products may be utilized, he has not only acquired a knowledge of many kinds of industrial life, but he has learned the necessity of peaceful intercourse."

Sara Crewe is one of the most vivid figures in children's fiction. Born in India and sent to school in England, she is, at first, treated like a princess by the teacher, Miss Minchin. But when it is evident that Sara is not the possessor of a princess's fortune, she is dispatched to live in the attic and become a servant.