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Ghost Town Treasure
Ty's town is slowly becoming a ghost town, a deserted place where no one lives. Ty doesn't want to move. He doesn't want to leave behind his beloved gray pony, or his big wooden desk. Just before his family packs up for good, though, his friends Nora and Paul come to visit. Their grandfather used to prospect for gold in the town, and they've brought his ancient diary with its tantalizing clues to hidden treasure. If Ty and his friends can find the treasure in time, it may help to save the town.
86 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1957
2 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Clyde Robert Bulla
104 books101 followersBorn to be a Writer
Almost as far back as he can remember, Clyde Robert Bulla wanted to write. Born on a farm in a small town in Missouri, Mr. Bulla's first school was a one-room country schoolhouse. One day his teacher asked each first grade student what he or she would do with a thousand dollars. Young Clyde answered that he would buy a table. His classmates laughed heartily, and his teacher was puzzled. “What I really meant,” says Mr. Bulla, “is a desk or other flat surface on which to write my stories!”
First Stories
Mr. Bulla's first piece of writing was titled, “How Planets Were Born.” The ambitious opening sentence was, “One night old Mother Moon had a million babies.” All through school, Mr. Bulla continued to write stories mostly, but plays and poetry, too. After years of gathering editor's rejection slips, Mr. Bulla sold a magazine story, then several more. Soon after, Mr. Bulla wrote a novel and a publisher accepted it.
The Difficult Years
In the excitement of publishing a novel, Mr. Bulla wrote two more books. Unfortunately, no one wanted to publish them. His luck took a turn for the worse when the publisher of his first book went bankrupt. For several years, he worked at a local weekly newspaper where he struggled with linotype, kept books, collected bills, and wrote a weekly column.
Success!
A couple of Mr. Bulla's weekly columns caught the attention of a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote to Mr. Bulla, suggesting that he try writing a children's book. He immediately sent her a manuscript for a children's book he'd written a year before. Within one week, an editor of a New York publisher read the manuscript,and it was accepted. The book was The Donkey Cart, published in 1946. Since then, Mr. Bulla has written over twenty books for children, as well as the music for several children's song books.
About The Chalk Box Kid
“When I was young,” explains Mr. Bulla, “I sometimes found it hard to cope in new surroundings, and I was apt to get off on the wrong foot. This is the story of a boy who got off on the wrong foot in a new school and how he tried to cope.” In describing the chalk garden, Mr. Bulla says, “I gave Gregory something I've always wished for: a big, blank wall that I could cover with my own drawings.”
Almost as far back as he can remember, Clyde Robert Bulla wanted to write. Born on a farm in a small town in Missouri, Mr. Bulla's first school was a one-room country schoolhouse. One day his teacher asked each first grade student what he or she would do with a thousand dollars. Young Clyde answered that he would buy a table. His classmates laughed heartily, and his teacher was puzzled. “What I really meant,” says Mr. Bulla, “is a desk or other flat surface on which to write my stories!”
First Stories
Mr. Bulla's first piece of writing was titled, “How Planets Were Born.” The ambitious opening sentence was, “One night old Mother Moon had a million babies.” All through school, Mr. Bulla continued to write stories mostly, but plays and poetry, too. After years of gathering editor's rejection slips, Mr. Bulla sold a magazine story, then several more. Soon after, Mr. Bulla wrote a novel and a publisher accepted it.
The Difficult Years
In the excitement of publishing a novel, Mr. Bulla wrote two more books. Unfortunately, no one wanted to publish them. His luck took a turn for the worse when the publisher of his first book went bankrupt. For several years, he worked at a local weekly newspaper where he struggled with linotype, kept books, collected bills, and wrote a weekly column.
Success!
A couple of Mr. Bulla's weekly columns caught the attention of a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote to Mr. Bulla, suggesting that he try writing a children's book. He immediately sent her a manuscript for a children's book he'd written a year before. Within one week, an editor of a New York publisher read the manuscript,and it was accepted. The book was The Donkey Cart, published in 1946. Since then, Mr. Bulla has written over twenty books for children, as well as the music for several children's song books.
About The Chalk Box Kid
“When I was young,” explains Mr. Bulla, “I sometimes found it hard to cope in new surroundings, and I was apt to get off on the wrong foot. This is the story of a boy who got off on the wrong foot in a new school and how he tried to cope.” In describing the chalk garden, Mr. Bulla says, “I gave Gregory something I've always wished for: a big, blank wall that I could cover with my own drawings.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 9, 2013
For quite an old novel aimed at a younger audience than I usually read, I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed “Ghost Town Treasure”. The language is simple, brief, and direct which is fine but the tale is enthralling enough for me to crave a longer novel. Clyde Robert Bulla composed this adventure in 1957 to have appeal for as young a crowd as possible. The effect this creates is like a film, trimmed to the most exciting parts. The succinct journey has room for a more amplified build-up and background history but again, this is a compliment to the book’s quality. You want a positive outcome for Ty, his parents, and horse King and feel their pressure.
The premise is that Gold Rock has become a ghost town. Children living across the country wrote to Gold Rock and could only address it to “anyone still living there”! The sole habitants are Ty’s family in their grocery store, who may be compelled to leave too. A new highway was built outside their district and the large ranches that patronized their store, are shopping elsewhere. The few descriptive lines in this book are about Ty’s profound love for his loyal horse, who could not live with them at his uncle’s place and the joy that surrounds them in Gold Rock.
Ty has been corresponding with Nora and Paul. His family delayed moving because they were coming to explore their Grandfather’s history and to meet Ty. Their Grandfather was a key figure in the town’s gold rush. Nora, Paul, and their parents brought his diary, hoping to locate the cave he discovered before his death. There is no known cave in the region! The clues in their family heirloom are invaluable and the very time-sensitive outcome could turn around Ty’s family.
The premise is that Gold Rock has become a ghost town. Children living across the country wrote to Gold Rock and could only address it to “anyone still living there”! The sole habitants are Ty’s family in their grocery store, who may be compelled to leave too. A new highway was built outside their district and the large ranches that patronized their store, are shopping elsewhere. The few descriptive lines in this book are about Ty’s profound love for his loyal horse, who could not live with them at his uncle’s place and the joy that surrounds them in Gold Rock.
Ty has been corresponding with Nora and Paul. His family delayed moving because they were coming to explore their Grandfather’s history and to meet Ty. Their Grandfather was a key figure in the town’s gold rush. Nora, Paul, and their parents brought his diary, hoping to locate the cave he discovered before his death. There is no known cave in the region! The clues in their family heirloom are invaluable and the very time-sensitive outcome could turn around Ty’s family.
September 16, 2022
Sweet story from my tween years :)
September 12, 2019
Ty lives in a recently abandoned town. He and his parents are the last ones there and with no one around, how can they keep their general store in business? Ty and his visiting friends decide to figure out something so he doesn't have to move and then they discover a clue to an old mystery!
Ages: 5 - 10
Cleanliness: a boy is upset about having to move and talks disrespectfully to his parents when they tell him.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
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Ages: 5 - 10
Cleanliness: a boy is upset about having to move and talks disrespectfully to his parents when they tell him.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
October 9, 2011
What a classic children's book! I loved how simple yet gripping the story was. Perfect to read to a 5+ year old, or a good read for someone just old enough for chapter books. (Just less than one picture per page on average.) It is takes place in the long distant days of snail-mail, horses and camping on multi-day road trips, so I don't know how well the modern kid would relate, but it might provide some insight into life before texting. I found this book at Grandma's house and read it to my 3.5 year old daughter over two days. She didn't quite get all of it, but she understood enough to make a story of it, and she kept asking me to read more.
April 11, 2013
This is an entertaining story set in a ghost town in 1950s California and initially published in 1957. The tale is short and has an old-fashioned charm to it.
I thought it was fascinating that Don Freeman (of Corduroy fame) illustrated the book - the black and white illustrations complemented the narrative very well. Overall, it's a quick read and is dramatic, but appropriate for young children. It has stood the test of time nicely.
I thought it was fascinating that Don Freeman (of Corduroy fame) illustrated the book - the black and white illustrations complemented the narrative very well. Overall, it's a quick read and is dramatic, but appropriate for young children. It has stood the test of time nicely.
August 11, 2025
Charming little book with a strong cameo appearance by a grey horse named King. The children are intelligent and determined, unlike the depressed and spiritless adults. Not one of Bulla's best, but still interesting and not as predictable as I thought it would be. The illustrations by Dan Freeman were typical of the time, with a limited color palette and strong angular lines.
Our Protagonist Ty states that Gold Rock is the best place in the world to live, and I'd like to live there, too.
Our Protagonist Ty states that Gold Rock is the best place in the world to live, and I'd like to live there, too.
February 5, 2022
I have always enjoyed reading books by Clyde Robert Bulla and this is no exception. I don’t know if Gold Rock really exists, but I would love to live there.
Read
December 22, 2010I previewed this for my daughter. She was hoping for ghosts but it's a ghost town, not a town full of ghosts. I'm not sure she'll enjoy the book, although I think my son will some day. It's definitely acceptable for a 6-year-old though.
Update - she read it the whole way through in one sitting. I didn't expect her to like it that much but she talked about it some afterward so she at least liked it a little even though there was no magic :-)
Update - she read it the whole way through in one sitting. I didn't expect her to like it that much but she talked about it some afterward so she at least liked it a little even though there was no magic :-)
March 5, 2020
At the time period ( 1974 ) I'd thought that this book looks very good to read and to buy. So i did buy it. Even though i was at a NZ Intermediate School it was still a good idea to get. An Adventure story with a mystery twist to it. Well it did work out to a very good purchase as i loved it fully. It was the first book that I'd got as to my new living location in New Zealand even though it was half way through 1974 and i was new to Scholastic books, (NZ).
October 13, 2012
Ty lives in a ghost town, but because everyone has moved away, he and his family will have to go too. Two of his friends come to visit and during their stay the three discover a cave. Will gold save the town?
January 31, 2015
My favorite of all the Bulla books. Grew up reading this book as a child and now at age 60 I continue to read it. Love the mystery of the diary and the growing friendship between the children. I remember reading it as a child and becoming quite interested in ghost towns.
May 28, 2017
As a child, I was first introduced to this author through The Ghost of Windy Hill. This was the only other book I ever located by Mr Bulla.
A wonderful YA children's mystery adventure of imagination and friendship.
A wonderful YA children's mystery adventure of imagination and friendship.
February 19, 2023
I liked that it didn't end how I expected. It's a nice story about a 12 year old boy who doesn't want to give up on his now empty town and move to the city. I liked his selfless efforts for friends, helping them to experience part of their family history.
June 25, 2008
Getting to know the bliss of a hobby, collecting rocks. And what a teenager can do to help prevent his town from becoming deserted.
September 23, 2008
My favorite book when I was a very young reader.
July 28, 2011
A blast from the past! I read this when I was young and loved it - just seeing the cover makes me want to rediscover it.
Read
August 22, 2013I read this ages ago, when I was younger. I always liked this book.
December 6, 2013
Another excellent book from Clyde Robert Bulla. It is the story of a boy who doesn't find what he is looking for but does find what he wants far more.
July 9, 2014
Cute adventure story set in the late 50's in a dieing town in California.
Good read for the 8 to 13 or so age range, especially for active and adventurous boys and girls.
Good read for the 8 to 13 or so age range, especially for active and adventurous boys and girls.
August 30, 2017
I've had this book in my possession since 1971. Me and my brothers loved this book as kids.
December 12, 2018
My children love this book. They have read it multiple times; they can't put it down.
September 3, 2024
I love the old Scholastic books! And Clyde Robert Bulla is a great author for new readers. Simply written but a great little story!
November 12, 2020
This was one of my favorite books when I was young. After acquiring a copy at a garage sale, I must have read it ten times. Ty Jackson is a boy that rides horseback across the land of the California desert. He lives in Gold Rock and the town is now nearly a ghost town. The only remaining residents are Ty and his parents, his father owns and operates a grocery store. Earlier, the local ranchers bought their groceries at the store, but now that the roads are getting rougher due to lack of maintenance, they find it easier to take the new highway into another town.
Therefore, Ty’s parents have informed him that they will be closing the store and moving in a short time. However, Ty learns that his pen pals Paul and Nora Connor will be visiting soon. Not wanting to disappoint them, Ty’s parents agree to stay in town longer.
Paul and Nora’s great grandfather is buried in the town and they have his diary. After they arrive, they read the last pages and he mentions finding a cave and one of the last passages appears to be “gold in the cave.” Excited about the possibility, the three children try following the cryptic clue as to the location and at first cannot find it. They persist and when the cave is found it turns out that there is no gold, but the existence of the cave leads to enough interest that the town starts coming back to life.
This book combines simple childhood adventure with a happy ending. Ty is a boy like most others, he has his dreams and his hobbies and at the point when it seems his dreams are gone, they are rekindled at a higher rate than he ever thought possible.
Therefore, Ty’s parents have informed him that they will be closing the store and moving in a short time. However, Ty learns that his pen pals Paul and Nora Connor will be visiting soon. Not wanting to disappoint them, Ty’s parents agree to stay in town longer.
Paul and Nora’s great grandfather is buried in the town and they have his diary. After they arrive, they read the last pages and he mentions finding a cave and one of the last passages appears to be “gold in the cave.” Excited about the possibility, the three children try following the cryptic clue as to the location and at first cannot find it. They persist and when the cave is found it turns out that there is no gold, but the existence of the cave leads to enough interest that the town starts coming back to life.
This book combines simple childhood adventure with a happy ending. Ty is a boy like most others, he has his dreams and his hobbies and at the point when it seems his dreams are gone, they are rekindled at a higher rate than he ever thought possible.
November 27, 2019
A boy named Ty lives in what is quickly becoming a ghost town. He and his family aren't making enough money at their family-owned grocery store in the town, so they must move into the city. Right before thy pack up and leave Ty's pin pals, Paul and Nora , come to the ghost town to visit. Together, the 3 kids decide to try and find the mystery treasure Nora and Paul's great-grandfather wrote about in his dairy. Their great-grandfather wrote about the "gold in the cave" but, after searching and searching in the cave they didn't find anything. Thinking they had failed, Ty goes back home felling disappointed. The next day people start lining up on main straight asking to she the mystery cave in the mountains. Ty's discovery of the cave really did save the town.
November 24, 2020
What a cute young children novel, picked up for free to be donated at a Little Library, hope someone else gets to enjoy it too. After the first 10 pages, you really get to know the character Ty. It's not a fantasy fictional novel but presents some adult themes (e.g. small town struggling when highway doesn't go through them), and making friends as a young kid, and talking to adults. The ending was sort of predictable but that didn't make the read any less enjoyable.
February 17, 2023
I have been on-and-off obsessed with another book by this author (Last Look) since kindergarten, so I thought I'd read this one, and -- it was fine! Definitely a simple kid's book from an earlier time.
January 7, 2018
Discussions during our reading included topics such as ghost towns, horses, geodes, stalactites and stalagmites, and business. Quick read (would be good for a read to yourself book for an earlier reader too, as a first novel).
October 18, 2025
A fun chapter book for early readers. The setting is a ghost town, as in an abandoned town, but there are no ghosts. An enjoyable book for the young readers in your life - either as a read-aloud or one for them to read to themselves.
4 1/2 stars.
4 1/2 stars.
October 18, 2019
An imagining of if a boy stumbled upon something like the Lewis and Clark Caverns and saved his dying town
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
Cute illustrations but the story was a bit slow and boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews