Quinton and I have had added a couple of fun new books to our reading library from the Goldtown Beginnings Series :from Kregel Publications:
These early chapter books are written with children age in mind, however, younger children would certainly enjoy having the books read to them. They can be enjoyed by the entire family but boys will especially be drawn to the adventures of young Jem Coulter and his life during the California Gold Rush.
If you’ve been following along for very long you might remember that we have reviewed other fun books from author Susan K. Marlow; Circle C Stepping Stones Booksand Circle C Milestones: Thick as Thieves.
More About Jem Strikes Gold
Jem Strikes Gold is based during the 1859 California Gold Rush. Jim, his little sister, Ellie and his Pa each have claims but they’ve sure never made it rich. In fact, all the gold that Jem has ever found only fills his gold pouch about half full.
Jem and Ellie help the family out by delivering Mama’s pies to the miners every Saturday for extra money, but that isn’t as easy or pleasant as it should be. The mean, Will Sterling, makes everything that Jem does less pleasant whether it’s delivering the fresh baked pies or the laundry that Mama works so hard to wash for the miners and Will’s family.
However, things start to turn around for Jem when his Pa’s friend Strike-It-Rich Sam, brings back a gold colored dog from one of his trips. No matter how much Ellie and Jem begged though Mama wasn’t letting them have the dog, at least not until the dog protected Jem, Ellie and the precious pies from Will. When Mama heard the story of how the pup had saved the day, there was no way she could say no anymore. Jem even has the perfect name for the dog, Gold Nugget.
More About Jem’s Frog Fiasco
Jem and Ellie are so excited to get to keep Gold Nugget, their new dog. However, they soon find out that keeping a dog fed is quite a challenge when their family has a hard time keeping the people fed. Jem decides he needs to find a job to help pay for meat scraps. Mr Sims the cafe owner gives Jem the perfect job; he will pay him 5 cents for each frog he brings into the cafe.
Jem and Ellie finish their pie deliveries and head to the pond. However, they soon have a big fight and Ellie storms off. Jem is sure she went home so he decides to keep froggin’. Later when he gets home though Ellie is no where around.
Search and search as they might Pa, Mama and Jem couldn’t find Ellie. Strike-it-rich Sam suggests that Jem should take Gold Nugget and see if he could find the missing girl. Gold Nugget saves the day and does find Ellie in an abandoned “coyote” hole.
What Did We Think of the Books?
We have enjoyed all the books that we’ve read to date from Susan K. Marlow. She does a wonderful job weaving life lessons into age appropriate books that captivate the kids.
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Blessings,
Jennifer
Thanks so much for the nice review and showcasing the books. So glad you enjoyed them!
Susan