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I Witness
Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859
Early Whitcomb's family needs a miracle. Their Iowa farm has been in the family for generations, but a long drought has withered their savings and left them in debt. Meanwhile, the great Chicago and Northwestern Railroad wants their land, and if the Whitcombs can't pay their loans, the local banker, Judge Fuslin, will foreclose and sell the farm as his own. Early's uncle (though he's more like a brother), Jesse, thinks he has the to head West and dig for gold. Fueled by reports of prospectors striking it rich in the Rocky Mountains, Jesse can't think about anything but gold, and his determination to get to the western territories grows stronger by the day. Early is wild to go with him, as much for the adventure as for the gold. But the journey costs money--more than the boys can afford--and when Jesse flees during the night, after being accused of a robbery, Early doesn't know what to believe. Then Jesse sends an electrifying message--that he has found gold, but his life is in danger--and Early knows he must do whatever it takes to find him, even if it means running away and joining a wagon train with a strange family. The journey is dangerous and full of hardships, and the closer the travelers get to their destination, the more ruined lives they encounter--lives consumed by the hunt for gold. Then to his horror, Early learns that Jesse has been accused of another, much bigger crime and has fled to a secret place in the mountains. Somehow, Early must get to him without leading Jesse's pursuers right to his door. And even if he succeeds, Early will still have to make the hardest choice of his life.
229 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2008
39 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Avi
346 books1,716 followersAvi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
Nothing but the Truth,
and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 25, 2022
This was such a great book!!
September 18, 2024
Hyperion's I Witness series by Avi lasted only two books, but fit his proclivities perfectly. Avi always loved crafting historical fiction that dives deep to get every minute detail right, and the I Witness books showcase this, illustrated with real photographs and drawings from the story's time period. In 1858, thirteen-year-old Early Wittcomb and his family own a farm in Cass County, Iowa, a legacy handed down for generations. That's why it upsets them when Judge Fuslin facilitates an offer to purchase the farm on behalf of the Chicago and North Western Railway. Early's pa refuses, but Judge Fuslin has a lot of political clout. Ma's nineteen-year-old brother, Jesse Plockett, isn't afraid to shoo Judge Fuslin off the property with threats. But should he be afraid?
In these hard financial times Judge Fuslin puts the screws to the Wittcombs, threatening to foreclose on the farm once their savings run dry. Meanwhile Jesse, who's more like Early's big brother than an uncle, starts hearing reports from Colorado that gold is there in Cherry Creek, ripe for the taking. After allegations arise that Jesse has robbed a bank here at home, he takes off for Colorado. Early wants to head after him and assist Jesse in panning for gold to save the family farm, but Ma and Pa insist Early is needed here. When Ebenezer Bunderly, a barber passing through town en route to Cherry Creek, enlists helpers to tend his covered wagon, Early sneaks away and joins Bunderly's quest for gold.
"But what choice was there? You either put one foot in front of your other foot, or you would be left behind."
—Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, P. 116
Mr. Bunderly's wife is perpetually on death's door, and their daughter Lizzy is not much older than Early and possessed of a tart tongue, but Early eases into their company on the trek seven hundred miles to Colorado. Navigating famine-stricken plains and scorching deserts is torture, but Mr. Bunderly is tenacious and Early longs to find his "big brother" Jesse and help spare the farm from Judge Fuslin. Unfortunately, Mr. Mawr, good friend to the judge, also joined Mr. Bunderly's wagon train. Early suspects Mr. Mawr is following him to catch up to Jesse and haul him back to Cass County on robbery charges. Can Early shield Jesse from the law, which would execute him for supposedly robbing that bank? Even as Early forms a close relationship with Lizzy—close enough to be more than friends—he worries what the future holds at Cherry Creek.
"If I have learned anything, it's this: though one's prospects become un-wheeled, one must never cease moving forward."
—Mr. Bunderly, P. 176
"I suppose in every heart there's a secret sadness."
—Hard Gold, P. 218
Hard Gold is a richly detailed story that Avi took great pains to create accurately. There's a dash of emotion at the end as we see the consequences of chasing gold. In 1859 many were convinced that fabulous riches were sitting there to be snatched in Colorado, but there's no such thing as easy money; prospectors at Cherry Creek worked their fingers to the bone just to make a passable living. Extravagant wealth was out of the question for most. Was this lifestyle worth leaving family and home? "Gold fever" makes sensible people toss caution out the window, and many have died in service to it. Ultimately, Hard Gold is too wooden for me to assign a high rating, but I might give two and a half stars. This is Avi how he likes to tell his stories, reveling in all the tiny historical bits, and I enjoy that now and then.
In these hard financial times Judge Fuslin puts the screws to the Wittcombs, threatening to foreclose on the farm once their savings run dry. Meanwhile Jesse, who's more like Early's big brother than an uncle, starts hearing reports from Colorado that gold is there in Cherry Creek, ripe for the taking. After allegations arise that Jesse has robbed a bank here at home, he takes off for Colorado. Early wants to head after him and assist Jesse in panning for gold to save the family farm, but Ma and Pa insist Early is needed here. When Ebenezer Bunderly, a barber passing through town en route to Cherry Creek, enlists helpers to tend his covered wagon, Early sneaks away and joins Bunderly's quest for gold.
"But what choice was there? You either put one foot in front of your other foot, or you would be left behind."
—Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, P. 116
Mr. Bunderly's wife is perpetually on death's door, and their daughter Lizzy is not much older than Early and possessed of a tart tongue, but Early eases into their company on the trek seven hundred miles to Colorado. Navigating famine-stricken plains and scorching deserts is torture, but Mr. Bunderly is tenacious and Early longs to find his "big brother" Jesse and help spare the farm from Judge Fuslin. Unfortunately, Mr. Mawr, good friend to the judge, also joined Mr. Bunderly's wagon train. Early suspects Mr. Mawr is following him to catch up to Jesse and haul him back to Cass County on robbery charges. Can Early shield Jesse from the law, which would execute him for supposedly robbing that bank? Even as Early forms a close relationship with Lizzy—close enough to be more than friends—he worries what the future holds at Cherry Creek.
"If I have learned anything, it's this: though one's prospects become un-wheeled, one must never cease moving forward."
—Mr. Bunderly, P. 176
"I suppose in every heart there's a secret sadness."
—Hard Gold, P. 218
Hard Gold is a richly detailed story that Avi took great pains to create accurately. There's a dash of emotion at the end as we see the consequences of chasing gold. In 1859 many were convinced that fabulous riches were sitting there to be snatched in Colorado, but there's no such thing as easy money; prospectors at Cherry Creek worked their fingers to the bone just to make a passable living. Extravagant wealth was out of the question for most. Was this lifestyle worth leaving family and home? "Gold fever" makes sensible people toss caution out the window, and many have died in service to it. Ultimately, Hard Gold is too wooden for me to assign a high rating, but I might give two and a half stars. This is Avi how he likes to tell his stories, reveling in all the tiny historical bits, and I enjoy that now and then.
May 18, 2016
this book left you on a cliffhanger with no sequel, and just forgets about Lizzy and just lets Jesse run away.
February 18, 2024
Amazing "Gold Rush" story!
May 6, 2024
It is sad at first, but it ends very well. This author is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I greatly enjoyed reading this book!
December 29, 2012
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
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
March 27, 2018
Avi takes an interesting look at the goldrush. When I picked up this book I thought someone would be heading to California, but instead it was about the gold rush at Pikes Peak, Colorado in Colorado Springs. I should have guessed being as Avi lives in Denver. This is the story of Early. The youngest son of the Whitcomb's. The Whitcomb's live in Iowa and the train is being built. The town mayor and the railroad want them off their land, even if it means foreclosing on the family. Jesse is Early’s uncle, but the two are thick as thieves since the age gap is not that great. Jesse runs away in the night to chase gold. There are stories a plenty and he know he can strike it rich and save the farm, even if it is only saved for the oldest nephew. But when the family receives news that Jesse may be in trouble, Early heads off to Pikes peak seeking Jesse, gold, and a way to save his family. Most of the story is the trip across a few state. There was no cars in the gold rush days, just horses, carriages. There was little food, water, or money, so Early hired himself out as a helper. He walked and helped the family, they feed him and gave him a place to sleep and a caravan to follow.
As always, Avi puts heart in the story that keeps your eyes or ears glued to the story. You are on that wagon train, your feet hurt, and you just want to save your family. He hides a history lesson inside a character driven story, where the setting and time are as important as the characters themselves. It could even be argued that the wagon train is a character. A well thought out book, a real life adventure, and a joy to read.
As always, Avi puts heart in the story that keeps your eyes or ears glued to the story. You are on that wagon train, your feet hurt, and you just want to save your family. He hides a history lesson inside a character driven story, where the setting and time are as important as the characters themselves. It could even be argued that the wagon train is a character. A well thought out book, a real life adventure, and a joy to read.
November 14, 2018
A book in the "I Witness" series by the inescapable historical fiction writer for young people, Avi, "Hard Gold" tells the story of Early Whitcomb, a 13-year-old white boy who, in 1858, travels to Colorado seeking gold and his beloved Uncle Jesse. The family is down on their luck and Early wants to help. On his journey he meets many colorful characters and experiences the types of adventures some will remember from "Oregon Trail": covered wagons, buying supplies, sleeping outside, crossing on a ferry, etc.. Avi peppers his diary-entry narrative with primary source historical images, including captions in the voice of Early (you'll miss these, as I did, if you just listen to the audio). Young readers will certainly be engaged--the historical details are mostly well integrated into the narrative and Avi is good at building a world and narrative tension. However, I'd mostly recommend this title for readers who already have an overriding interest in this history or who will identify with Early. In some sense, the voice is so firmly from Early's point of view, that getting a larger sense of the time period is difficult--in other words, don't use this to replace a more critical study of the 1850-60s in your classroom, espeically as there are some vague descriptions of slavery and Native peoples that take on the range of attitudes of white settlers. But, for the right reader, or in conjunction with a larger unit, this might do the job. Recommended for middle grade readers.
May 4, 2020
This historical fiction novel describes how Early Whittcomb’s uncle Jesse traveled to Colorado to find gold to save the family farm in Iowa from foreclosure. But when he sends a letter saying he found enough gold but doesn’t return, Early joins a wagon train as a hired hand to go to Cherry Creek and Pike’s Peak after him. The descriptions of the journey reminded me a lot of playing The Oregon Trail, with sickness, runaway oxen, lack of supplies, and hazardous river crossings. The book also emphasizes the historical truth of the narrative through the inclusion of archival photographs, maps, and diagrams of wagons--all captioned amusingly in Early’s voice! It would most appeal to kids 7-11.
PopSugar Reading Challenge 2020: a book with "gold," "silver," or "bronze" in the title
PopSugar Reading Challenge 2020: a book with "gold," "silver," or "bronze" in the title
March 20, 2018
I needed a short audio book to get me back in the mood for audio books. I loved Avi as a young teen and had never read this one. I forgot how enjoyable of a writer he was. I can't remember which of my teachers turned me on to him - I think Mr. Kirkland - when we read Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I may have to re-read that one!
March 31, 2019
Again I'm impressed with Avi's ability to write for young readers across multiple generas. This one is about a boy traveing to the Colorado seeking his uncle who went there chasing gold. Great characters. I was underwhelmed by the climax which came abruptly and the story ended leaving many questions. I've found this to be true of some of Avi's other books.
December 20, 2020
It was kind of humdrum. I was hoping it would be acceptable for our fourth grade teachers to use to study the CA Gold Rush, but alas, it was about the CO gold rush, and very little happened.
November 22, 2023
Listened to this to fulfill a Western reading challenge prompt. It was decent. Historically accurate and interesting. A but for drama/action/suspense would have spiced it up a bit.
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed this historical fiction account of the gold rush. I loved the maps and photograghs; being able to refer to the maps and where the characters were in the book.
February 12, 2025
3.5/3.75
October 20, 2013
A readable and informative novel for middle-grades, with interesting historical illustrations.
I really liked the tone of this novel. The protagonist, thirteen-year-old "Early," was thoughtful and likeable, and his struggles seemed fairly realistic to me.
The author didn't shy away from harder aspects of life in that era. For instance, though Early does have parents, he must also, as a matter of course, constantly obey his self-centered older brother. Early works very hard on the farm, knowing all the while that, if the family can manage to save it (doubtful from the start), his brother will inherit 100%. All his hard work will end up benefiting that selfish, unfeeling older brother who frustrates him to no end.
Early's beloved uncle Jesse, only nineteen, in a last-ditch effort to get funds to save the farm, takes off to try his luck with the Cherry Creek Gold Rush in what is now Colorado. Jesse gets himself into some bad trouble. Early tries to believe the best of him, and sets out to find and help Jesse. My favorite part of the book was that final encounter between Early and Jesse. After months of grueling, dangerous travel, Early finally tracks Jesse down. It made me respect Early all the more that he didn't pussy-foot around with the expected normal, polite greetings, but blurted right out with,
The author's note at the end, like the rest of the book, was interesting and informative. I was particularly intrigued by Avi's description of heading out into the Colorado mountains to try gold panning himself. After a few hours he ended up with only a few flakes of gold. What a hard life that would have been back in gold rush times!
I really liked the tone of this novel. The protagonist, thirteen-year-old "Early," was thoughtful and likeable, and his struggles seemed fairly realistic to me.
The author didn't shy away from harder aspects of life in that era. For instance, though Early does have parents, he must also, as a matter of course, constantly obey his self-centered older brother. Early works very hard on the farm, knowing all the while that, if the family can manage to save it (doubtful from the start), his brother will inherit 100%. All his hard work will end up benefiting that selfish, unfeeling older brother who frustrates him to no end.
Early's beloved uncle Jesse, only nineteen, in a last-ditch effort to get funds to save the farm, takes off to try his luck with the Cherry Creek Gold Rush in what is now Colorado. Jesse gets himself into some bad trouble. Early tries to believe the best of him, and sets out to find and help Jesse. My favorite part of the book was that final encounter between Early and Jesse. After months of grueling, dangerous travel, Early finally tracks Jesse down. It made me respect Early all the more that he didn't pussy-foot around with the expected normal, polite greetings, but blurted right out with,
The author's note at the end, like the rest of the book, was interesting and informative. I was particularly intrigued by Avi's description of heading out into the Colorado mountains to try gold panning himself. After a few hours he ended up with only a few flakes of gold. What a hard life that would have been back in gold rush times!
March 6, 2012
Early was a boy on a mission. This story of a young boy going across the country to find his Uncle Jesse was a well-written book. It is a very easy book for children to read and since Avi, who wrote “City of Orphans”, wrote it I can see his style of writing very clearly. How it is written is probably it’s best aspect to the book along with the main character and his journey to Cherry Creek.
“Hard Gold” is written mostly in a journal style of writing, which I thought made it a very child friendly book. I also liked the journal format because I could see how long it took Early to reach his Uncle Jesse and just how long it took to travel back then. “Hard Gold” could also be a good book to use when teaching a class about the gold rush era and other places that had gold fever.
Early’s determination and independence is a story children can relate too. They want freedom to find themselves and Early defiantly finds himself on his journey. He realizes he can’t stay on the family farm and goes back to his “girl” Lizzy in the end. Even though it started out to be a book about determination and finding oneself, it turned out to be a kind of love story on the trail to Cherry Creek. It seemed that nothing was like it was for Early in the end, which can be true for many children’s lives and journey to self-discovery. Because of the theme and style Avi chose I believe this was a very well written children’s book and would recommend it for a history teacher to use in her class.
“Hard Gold” is written mostly in a journal style of writing, which I thought made it a very child friendly book. I also liked the journal format because I could see how long it took Early to reach his Uncle Jesse and just how long it took to travel back then. “Hard Gold” could also be a good book to use when teaching a class about the gold rush era and other places that had gold fever.
Early’s determination and independence is a story children can relate too. They want freedom to find themselves and Early defiantly finds himself on his journey. He realizes he can’t stay on the family farm and goes back to his “girl” Lizzy in the end. Even though it started out to be a book about determination and finding oneself, it turned out to be a kind of love story on the trail to Cherry Creek. It seemed that nothing was like it was for Early in the end, which can be true for many children’s lives and journey to self-discovery. Because of the theme and style Avi chose I believe this was a very well written children’s book and would recommend it for a history teacher to use in her class.
November 19, 2012
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.
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.
December 3, 2013
An deft narrative in journal entry form of an adolescent boy's journey to the Colorado gold fields. Early's family is in dire financial trouble, their farm about to be seized by the lender. His uncle Jesse has left to find his fortune and rescue the family by looking for gold in Colorado.
Jesse is accused of killing a man before he left, and Early is determined to find him and clear his name, as well as help save the family from financial ruin.
Concise and well written, this is an interesting read and a good history lesson that doesn't involve mental heavy lifting. It's a great way for grade and middle school kids to pick up some American History as well. Not the greatest book ever written, and not quite as fine as Avi's other books, Hard Gold is still worth reading.
Jesse is accused of killing a man before he left, and Early is determined to find him and clear his name, as well as help save the family from financial ruin.
Concise and well written, this is an interesting read and a good history lesson that doesn't involve mental heavy lifting. It's a great way for grade and middle school kids to pick up some American History as well. Not the greatest book ever written, and not quite as fine as Avi's other books, Hard Gold is still worth reading.
April 15, 2015
This one started off well in typical Avi fashion with lots of rich detail, but it ended rather suddenly so that it felt more like half a book. It almost seemed as if Avi had started to write it as a book twice it's length and was told it had to be shorter, so just abruptly ended it. Having said this, it was still an entertaining read with a glimpse of what it felt to catch "gold fever."
I am slightly troubled (spoiler ahead) that the main supporting character and role model for the protagonist in a book aimed at children turns out to have some very criminal flaws, but I suppose this is more true to how life sometimes goes... As a result I'm left asking myself (as a very protective dad) if I would let my 11 year old read it now or wait a few years before doing so.
I am slightly troubled (spoiler ahead) that the main supporting character and role model for the protagonist in a book aimed at children turns out to have some very criminal flaws, but I suppose this is more true to how life sometimes goes... As a result I'm left asking myself (as a very protective dad) if I would let my 11 year old read it now or wait a few years before doing so.
November 28, 2016
Young Early (age 12ish?), in an effort to help his family save their farm, follows his uncle Jesse (an uncle who was raised with him like a brother) to Colorado. Jesse was searching for gold. Early is searching for Jesse (and maybe some gold, too).
I read this book for the first time with a group of 4th graders in a literature circle. I think this is a fantastic book to use as a compliment to teaching Colorado history in 4th grade. It is a great story that keeps students engaged, but also includes a lot of valuable historical information (often shared through the inclusion of primary sources). Even if this book is not chosen for our Battle of the Books list (and, to be honest, I hope it isn't) I will continue to use it as a valuable teaching tool.
I read this book for the first time with a group of 4th graders in a literature circle. I think this is a fantastic book to use as a compliment to teaching Colorado history in 4th grade. It is a great story that keeps students engaged, but also includes a lot of valuable historical information (often shared through the inclusion of primary sources). Even if this book is not chosen for our Battle of the Books list (and, to be honest, I hope it isn't) I will continue to use it as a valuable teaching tool.
August 6, 2016
I love reading history, so I picked up this book. When I finished reading this book, I decided it was one of the better ones I have read in a while. The 1859 gold rush was a period in U.S. history I did not know much about, and this book made me want to read more about it. When I read this book, I didn't realize the characters were fictional, because I didn't read the author's letter at the start of the book. The farther I got into this book, the more I wanted to find out if Early would find Jesse. The ending, which I won't spoil, did make me a little sad though.
November 2, 2016
Avi is the author, and so you really can't go wrong. I did enjoy this historical fiction piece on westward expansion and the Colorado gold rush. It is really hard to find literature specific to the Colorado Gold Rush (as opposed to the California Gold Rush) so this is a wonderful book to have in our library. It is a good one, and nominated to perhaps join our Battle of the Books list. While I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the other nominees, I do like the connection this one has to our state curriculum. Primary source photographs and illustrations add to the educational value.
June 9, 2011
This book definitely has the feel of one written to be a part of a series, the "I Witness" History Series in particular. It didn't seem as richly imagined as some of Avi's other works. That said, it's an approachable way of introducing the subject of 1 of the 19th-c American gold rushes to children approximately 10-12 years old. I can't say that I loved the book, but it was a pleasant, interesting read.
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July 29, 2011A great first person account of a boy who ventures Westward in order to help his family save their Iowa farm into gold country. What it is like, through the eyes of a teenager, how you needed to keep your wits about you, and how the boy grows into the man he is about to become, making the choices of a good woman over his family, to avoid the temptations of gold and succomb to the allure of natural beauty, and other wise pearls.
June 13, 2015
I read this as a quick departure from the thriller and mystery novels I often find myself involved in during the summer. The hope with this one was to find something to complement a pioneer unit and teaching standards with a nice read aloud that students will enjoy and find engaging. Although I enjoyed this book, this will not fit my need as I found this to be intended for older audiences than those I teach. However, I learned a bit more and enjoyed this historical fiction story.
March 2, 2010
I really like the storyline of this book. It is about a family that is in debt and this is happening when a gold rush is going on in Colorado. So first his uncle goes out to Colorado to get gold to pay off the debt. But then his Nephew followed him to Colorado. Then thats when the real story begins and i did not want to put it down after he followed his brother there.
August 27, 2010
This is a cute book about the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859. Early's family is in trouble because of the drought, so his uncle (age 19, who has been raised as his brother) decides to go to Colorado and get enough gold to pay the mortgage. Early follows him out there. The book has a good moral and is really interesting.
October 23, 2011
Another one of those historical fiction books that completely shocked me! The difficult journey that many people took to discover gold is unbelievable. The book includes a gripping story that has the suspense that draws you through, but also the real life story of a family that is broken by its need for money for survival.
March 25, 2012
Early Whitcomb's family needs a miracle. Their Iowa farm has been in the family for generations, but a long drought has withered their savings and left them in debt. Meanwhile, the great Chicago and Northwestern Railroad wants their land, and if the Whitcombs can't pay their loans, the local banker, Judge Fuslin, will foreclose and sell the farm as his own. Early's uncle (...more
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