About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking big questions about risk, reward, and how the hope for a better life can change the world for both good and bad. It is a perfect choice for kids who are fascinated by 'get rich quick' stories or those who feel a sense of restlessness and adventure. The narrative balances the excitement of discovery with the sober realities of hard work and historical conflict. While the 1849 Gold Rush is often romanticized, Joan Holub provides a comprehensive look at the era, including the birth of boomtowns and the complex, often tragic interactions between pioneers and Indigenous peoples. It serves as an excellent tool for teaching perseverance and the historical foundations of the American West. Suitable for independent readers aged 8 to 12, it encourages critical thinking about what it means to seek fortune at any cost.
