Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush Of 1859 (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I received this as a free download from Audiojukebox. Avi does a wonderful job of bringing to life the midwest of the late 1850s. It's also an interesting tale of the Colorado Gold Rush (Pike's Peak or Bust!) that most of us never learned a lot about.Early Whitcomb is a 14-year-old farm boy living with his mother, father, older brother, and an uncle, Jessie, who is only a few years older than he is. A railroad wants the land the Whitcomb farm is on and seems willing to try anything to force the family from their home. The need for quick money makes tales of gold found near Pike's Peak all the more appealing to Jessie and Early. Soon Jessie heads west. When word comes that he might be in trouble, Early decides to go after him, teaming up with a down-on-their-luck family making the trip in a convoy of Conestoga wagons. Adventure ensues, leaving the reader wondering if Early will find Jessie before the mysterious man who is hunting him. Alston Brown keeps a nice, even pace on the narration. His voice seems to change only slightly from character to character, and yet each is quite distinct. I thought he did a great job of painting Avi's descriptions of the trek west, the open expanse of the plains, a river crossing, a buffalo stampede. While the book is written for a younger audience (I'd say grades 5-8), it can definitely be enjoyed by adults. That would make it a good choice for a long family drive. Length: 3 hours 59 minutes In late winter 1858, Early Whitcomb and his family were struggling to save their farm. After a dry year and poor harvest, their savings were barely enough to pay the mortgage. Threats from the bank were becoming more severe and financial ruin seemed inevitable. About this time, the farmers began to hear rumors of gold found out West at Pike’s Peak. Early’s Uncle Jesse is caught up in the gold fever and is sure that digging for gold will solve all their problems.When Jesse disappears, Early joins a wagon train to follow his uncle and join the rush for gold. This I Witness book gives a realistic look at the culture and struggles of emigrants and gold diggers in the Old West. Avi includes illustrations and photographs that help teach history as well as share an intriguing story. This series is great for kids interested in history, but who enjoy a story to bring it alive.
What do You think about Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush Of 1859 (2009)?
Avi's contribution to the "I Witness" series written in journal form.
—shanna7
This book was ok, but I think I would have been bored by it as a kid.
—Elaa
Good historical fiction - a little lesson-y, but interesting!
—studbro
Top Ten Westerns for Youth 1012 (Booklist)
—xonikkitaylor
