Freaks of Fortune; or, Half Round the World

Set in a bustling New England river town, the tale follows young Levi Fairfield, a bright thirteen‑year‑old whose curiosity turns a modest brook into a makeshift saw‑mill. When his friend Bessie Watson asks to see his invention, Levi promises to retrieve the old machine from his uncle’s attic and demonstrate its clever workings. Their simple plan quickly reveals the resourcefulness and determination that define Levi’s character.

As the story unfolds, the duo encounters the practical obstacles of a community eager for progress, from tangled water rights to skeptical adults. Through lively dialogue and spirited problem‑solving, they learn the value of perseverance, honesty, and teamwork. Listeners will be drawn into a vivid world where youthful ingenuity meets real‑life challenges, offering both excitement and gentle moral guidance.