Near perfect, as far as I'm concerned. Small in scope -- the bulk of the story occurs over a few days -- but intensely engaged with the themes of immortality, mortality, obsessions, and youth. I loved Tuck's the non-explanatory theory for the spring of immortality -- that it was a small piece of an alternate plan for the world that was abandoned and somehow overlooked. I loved how the child was the center of the story throughout but we still saw a bit inside the nature of every family member.

Highly recommended. ( )

Read in July 2004, Read in August 2013

3,6 stars ( )

This story is about Winnie Foster and her meeting the Tuck family, which is a family who are unlike anyone our main character has ever met before. Their secret is that they can never die due to drinking from a magic fountain years ago. This novel talks about family, morality, and the opportunity of choice. It provides students the opportunity to wrestle with and understand some complex questions about life. ( )

This is a short, sweet fantasy about a family that drinks from a mysterious spring, thereby attaining an immortal and ageless life. They encounter a ten-year-old runaway and tell her their secret. A mysterious stranger threatens to exploit the spring to make a fortune. This book was published in 1975 and, somehow, I missed reading it before now. It is set in New Hampshire in the 1880s. Themes include the circle of life and making good decisions. It would be a good joint reading experience for parents to discuss with their children. ( )