What do you think?
Rate this book
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine
Hoping to strike it rich, two brothers escape an abusive father and set out on a treacherous journey to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Desperate to get away from their drunkard of a father, eleven-year-old Jasper and his older brother Melvin often talk of running away, of heading north to Alaska to chase riches beyond their wildest dreams. The Klondike Gold Rush is calling, and Melvin has finally decided the time to go is now--even if that means leaving Jasper behind. But Jasper has other plans, and follows his brother aboard a steamer as a stowaway.
Onboard the ship, Jasper overhears a rumor about One-Eyed Riley, an old coot who's long since gone, but is said to have left clues to the location of his stake, which still has plenty of gold left. The first person to unravel the clues and find the mine can stake the claim and become filthy rich. Jasper is quick to catch gold fever and knows he and Melvin can find the mine--all they have to do is survive the rough Alaskan terrain, along with the steep competition from the unscrupulous and dangerous people they encounter along the way.
In an endearing, funny, pitch-perfect middle grade voice, Caroline Starr Rose tells another stellar historical adventure young readers will long remember.
Desperate to get away from their drunkard of a father, eleven-year-old Jasper and his older brother Melvin often talk of running away, of heading north to Alaska to chase riches beyond their wildest dreams. The Klondike Gold Rush is calling, and Melvin has finally decided the time to go is now--even if that means leaving Jasper behind. But Jasper has other plans, and follows his brother aboard a steamer as a stowaway.
Onboard the ship, Jasper overhears a rumor about One-Eyed Riley, an old coot who's long since gone, but is said to have left clues to the location of his stake, which still has plenty of gold left. The first person to unravel the clues and find the mine can stake the claim and become filthy rich. Jasper is quick to catch gold fever and knows he and Melvin can find the mine--all they have to do is survive the rough Alaskan terrain, along with the steep competition from the unscrupulous and dangerous people they encounter along the way.
In an endearing, funny, pitch-perfect middle grade voice, Caroline Starr Rose tells another stellar historical adventure young readers will long remember.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2017
30 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Starr Rose
11 books267 followersCaroline Starr Rose is a middle grade and picture book author whose books have been ALA-ALSC Notable, Junior Library Guild, ABA New Voices, Kids’ Indie Next, Amazon’s Best Books of the Month for Kids, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. In addition, her books have been nominated for almost two dozen state award lists. Caroline was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start Author for her debut novel, May B. She spent her childhood in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and New Mexico and taught social studies and English in four different states. Caroline now lives with her family in her hometown, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 29, 2016
To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. I finished reading it a few days ago, yet I’m still “in” Jasper’s world. That’s how vivid the imagery is in this well-crafted novel.
I have followed Caroline Starr Rose’s blog for years, and I admire her wisdom, not just as a writer, but as a wife, mom, teacher, etc. I have also read her previous books. But what I didn’t know from reading her blog posts and her previous works, however, is that Ms. Rose has a great sense of humor.
In addition to great plotting, vivid imagery, well-developed characters, and everything else that makes a story shine, I found myself laughing out loud at some of things the main character Jasper had to say about the quirky characters he encountered on his adventure during the Klondike Gold Rush.
I think this is a book that middle-grade kids are going to LOVE. I think it would also make a great classroom read-aloud. Hopefully, this very deserving work will get the exposure it needs in order to reach a large audience.
Bravo to Caroline Starr Rose, an author who writes prose as beautifully as she writes poetry.
I have followed Caroline Starr Rose’s blog for years, and I admire her wisdom, not just as a writer, but as a wife, mom, teacher, etc. I have also read her previous books. But what I didn’t know from reading her blog posts and her previous works, however, is that Ms. Rose has a great sense of humor.
In addition to great plotting, vivid imagery, well-developed characters, and everything else that makes a story shine, I found myself laughing out loud at some of things the main character Jasper had to say about the quirky characters he encountered on his adventure during the Klondike Gold Rush.
I think this is a book that middle-grade kids are going to LOVE. I think it would also make a great classroom read-aloud. Hopefully, this very deserving work will get the exposure it needs in order to reach a large audience.
Bravo to Caroline Starr Rose, an author who writes prose as beautifully as she writes poetry.
July 18, 2022
Eleven-year-old Jasper Johnson follows his older brother Melvin, who’s run away from their abusive, alcoholic father. The brothers leave the small town of Kirkland, Washington and take a steamer to Alaska to join the Klondike Gold Rush. While he is a stowaway onboard the ship, Jasper overhears men talking about One-Eyed Riley, a prospector who left clues in the form of riddles that will reveal the location of his still-rich stake. Jasper decides he must find Riley’s mine, but in addition to unraveling the clues, the brothers must cross harsh terrain despite increasingly bad weather and having few supplies. Add to this a host of unscrupulous and dangerous people who are also searching for the mine, and the odds against these two boys are almost insurmountable. Jasper’s pluck overcomes many obstacles, and, with the help of a few good people interspersed amid the bad, the brothers find something even more valuable than gold. Caroline Starr Rose does a great job of intermingling facts with a great story so that readers will learn a lot about the history and topography of the Klondike while never feeling lectured to.
April 5, 2024
Anne read earlier this years Peter and I just finished reading out loud together which worked great because he had listened to a gold rush book set in the Colorado mountains and so fun rabbit trail to continue on though this one was set in the Yukon in the 1899. Two brothers escape a hard life at home—- mom dad and pa drinking away all they have—- to find gold. But misfortune after misfortune happens along the crazy journey that is to get to the gold mines… boat, hike, make a boat and raft down the river then finally stake a claim. They bank their hopes on solving the riddles that lead to a mine filled with gold!
It was fun and full of adventure both Anne and Peter enjoyed it.
It was fun and full of adventure both Anne and Peter enjoyed it.
June 21, 2017
I really enjoyed Caroline Starr Rose’s May B. written in free verse, so I wanted to try this book, which is written in first person. Jasper is set in the late 1800s during the Klondike Gold Rush. It was interesting to read about this part of history and how it affected a great amount of people. There is an Author's Note at the end, which supplies readers with interesting facts. It took me awhile to adjust to Jasper's way of talking (bad grammar basically), but once I got over that, I had a good time reading this. I recommend to readers who like adventurous stories and historical fiction.
February 7, 2017
Full of mystery and adventure, this is a fast-paced historical fiction story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With tons of information about the Klondike gold rush, it shares the story of Jasper and his brother Melvin who end up following the rush in their search for gold. One of the best aspects of this book is the relationship between Jasper and Mel. Through all their adventure and troubles, they stick together and trust each other like only brothers can. It amazed me at all the hardships they endured. Without giving anything away, the ending was a surprise too, and I love when book endings surprise me! I enjoyed this story and think middle-graders will especially love reading Jasper's tale.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
November 23, 2016
I am lucky enough to have received an Advance Readers Copy of Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine. I loved it! I look forward to talking about this book with my middle schoolers and getting it into their hands. This historical fiction is driven by an endearing character, Jasper, who has a can-do, don't give up attitude that I want my tweens and young teens introduced to. The history of the Klondike gold rush is fascinating and bizarre enough that kids will wonder....did that really happen? And, author Caroline Starr Rose give a short & sweet author's note at the end of the book to answer those questions. The relationship between brothers Jasper and Mel Johnson rings true and adds depth to the urgency of the story and....solving the riddle of course. One of the best things about this story is the potential more....in finding out what happens to Jasper and Mel after this story closes. Thanks for the wonderful yarn. Please write more!
July 31, 2018
This book about two boys escaping an abusive, grief-stricken, alcoholic father to search for gold in the Yukon was not enjoyable or realistic. The theme of self-reliance no matter the consequences was disappointing and unhealthy. The writing style is tedious and the ending is a disappointing bore.
April 8, 2018
So good! I didn’t know that much about the Gold Rush in the Klondike, but this novel brought it vividly to life. I can’t believe people actually survived the trek from Skagway to Dawson City. It sounded brutal and remote. The characters in this story came vividly to life in a wonderful way. Jasper and Melvin are sympathetic and fun. I loved the Sisters and Spare-Rib and Lord Avonmore, etc.
May 30, 2017
Wonderful MG adventure!
April 6, 2020
The first few chapters were a slow go and I was concerned it was going to quickly be made clear that this would become a two star book review. Glad I stuck with it and read the whole thing! "Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine" ended up earning a three star rating for historical context and value.
After the first handful of chapters passes by the storyline picks up. Eventually you're flying down river hoping you'll be able to pull out of the water before the rapids and cold overtake 'ya. It's a bumpy ride but also one that showcases brotherly love.
Conditions during the gold rush era were incredibly difficult. Few got rich; and, there was definitely even fewer that got rich quick; and, even fewer still who managed to keep and capitalize on their new found wealth. Knowing this, beyond the home life from which the two brothers came from, there's an air of melancholy, depression, and desperation that's a constant background within the pages. It's a dirty, ugly world despite the vast beauty.
The highlight of this book was found within the riddles. They were clever and good. The deciphering of the riddles, more than anything else, kept propelling this book forward. If it weren't for the riddles, and their air of mystery, I wouldn't have finished this book.
I appreciated how this book wound its way to its ending. Somewhat open ended but not without hope. Hope for the father that was left behind and hope for a future that's left to be discovered, defined, and lived by the brothers.
Losses and gains; through it all, brotherly love remains. A good, middle grade, read. A solid three star book review.
After the first handful of chapters passes by the storyline picks up. Eventually you're flying down river hoping you'll be able to pull out of the water before the rapids and cold overtake 'ya. It's a bumpy ride but also one that showcases brotherly love.
Conditions during the gold rush era were incredibly difficult. Few got rich; and, there was definitely even fewer that got rich quick; and, even fewer still who managed to keep and capitalize on their new found wealth. Knowing this, beyond the home life from which the two brothers came from, there's an air of melancholy, depression, and desperation that's a constant background within the pages. It's a dirty, ugly world despite the vast beauty.
The highlight of this book was found within the riddles. They were clever and good. The deciphering of the riddles, more than anything else, kept propelling this book forward. If it weren't for the riddles, and their air of mystery, I wouldn't have finished this book.
I appreciated how this book wound its way to its ending. Somewhat open ended but not without hope. Hope for the father that was left behind and hope for a future that's left to be discovered, defined, and lived by the brothers.
Losses and gains; through it all, brotherly love remains. A good, middle grade, read. A solid three star book review.
May 30, 2021
When Jasper’s older brother takes off for the Yukon to join the gold rush, Jasper joins him by stowing away on a steamer and then teaming up with him as they try to fend their way in the frontier ports and travel over the Chilkoot Pass to reach the creeks where gold was found.
It’s an excellent adventure and would be a great Disney movie, like The Journey of Natty Gann. What makes it work is a narrator you care about, visceral descriptions that anchor you in the scenes, the bond between the brothers, and interesting details about the ships, towns, and camps along the way. Like when they work in a sawpit and help build a boat to take them down the Yukon.
It's a much more realistic novel than the cover lets on. With thieves and con men, harsh storms, and grim prospects and grim prospectors, it doesn’t avoid the gritty reality of the times. And with the cold and hunger, it's as much a survival story as an adventure tale. And yet there’s also lots of uplifting moments of wonder, as when first seeing the mountains and herds of caribou.
There's also a map at the start and a great author's note at the end, which tells the history of the gold rush and the truth about the dozen of real life characters she placed in the novel, which gives it a real authenticity.
It’s an excellent adventure and would be a great Disney movie, like The Journey of Natty Gann. What makes it work is a narrator you care about, visceral descriptions that anchor you in the scenes, the bond between the brothers, and interesting details about the ships, towns, and camps along the way. Like when they work in a sawpit and help build a boat to take them down the Yukon.
It's a much more realistic novel than the cover lets on. With thieves and con men, harsh storms, and grim prospects and grim prospectors, it doesn’t avoid the gritty reality of the times. And with the cold and hunger, it's as much a survival story as an adventure tale. And yet there’s also lots of uplifting moments of wonder, as when first seeing the mountains and herds of caribou.
There's also a map at the start and a great author's note at the end, which tells the history of the gold rush and the truth about the dozen of real life characters she placed in the novel, which gives it a real authenticity.
July 2, 2017
Things have been hard since Jasper's mother died. His father has taken to drinking and is angry all of the time. When word comes that gold has been discovered in the Yukon, Jasper's older brother Melvin sets off in search of it without him. Jasper is both hurt and angry, since they had promised to escape their father together. Jasper takes his few belongings and follows his brother, including stowing away on the steamship. Once they get to Alaska, however, nothing is as they expected. It will take all of their wits and working together to survive, let alone strike it rich.
First Nations people are mentioned in passing, in neither a positive or negative way during the story. There is a reference to the "Tlinglit Packers" being hired to help the Stampeders carry gear. There is a longer paragraph about the effects of the miners on the native populations in the author's note at the end.
Recommended for grades 4 & up.
First Nations people are mentioned in passing, in neither a positive or negative way during the story. There is a reference to the "Tlinglit Packers" being hired to help the Stampeders carry gear. There is a longer paragraph about the effects of the miners on the native populations in the author's note at the end.
Recommended for grades 4 & up.
September 1, 2017
A few summers ago I had the chance to visit Skagway, Alaska and learn all about the gold rush. Now having a picture in my head of this part of the past, one of my favorite things is to read historical fiction that expands and deepens my understanding of that moment in history. Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine is especially delightful to read because on top of the rich history, there are strong relationships between the main characters and interesting relationships with the supporting characters. They bring another level to an already compelling story. Then to top it all off, Caroline Starr Rose adds in a mystery that will keep young readers highly engaged. Already a fan of Rose, this book highlights why she's on my must read list.
February 6, 2017
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of Jasper's tale and I thoroughly enjoyed it! When the book arrived I quickly started reading it that night. And the next night. And the next. When I get a book that is captivating I tend to lose sleep and there were several sleepless nights until I finished Japer's story. Jasper is a spunky character with an independence and recklessness that any child - and adult - will fall in love with at once. As a librarian, this is a book I would recommend to my 4th and 5th grade reluctant readers - boys and girls alike. There is adventure, riddles, and some history added in a way that will not be intimidating for those kids that tend to shy away from historical fiction. This would be a great read aloud for the classroom and I already passed it on to several teachers. I have some ideas of things you can do with your students at my blog, bakinglibrarian.blogspot.com.
August 5, 2020
I liked it -- as a gold rush kid's adventure goes, there's a lot of really solid history in here. I thought the level of disinterest most people displayed to the two boys was pretty accurate, and I appreciated the subliminal messaging that you make more from laundry than you do from panning for gold in gold rush times. I'm not sure I believe that the boys would have made it so far without dying from exposure, and I didn't really understand Frank Hazard's interest in Jasper, so the final plot points didn't do much for me. Still, it's a good kids adventure, with bonus points for being well rooted in particular places and time. Oh, and I liked that they started out from Kirkland, too.
November 9, 2022
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine was a great historical adventure! Caroline crafted a fascinating storyline and characters with great depth--and wove history naturally into the plot. This was a quality piece of fiction for kids while also sneaking in some education! The author did not shy away from putting the characters in hard situations and it was intriguing to watch how things unfolded. Lots of great twists and turns! Caroline shaped a story that fit together seamlessly and provided lots of intrigue along the way. It was a delight to watch Jasper's growth from start to finish. A great story to read together!
January 14, 2025
Jasper and Melvin have a strong bond and are very caring for each other. Even though Melvin is the older brother of the two siblings, Jasper is just as independent as him as he sneaks up onto the steamer to follow his brother that left him with his Pa to find Gold for the both of them. I loved this book and they've faced so many trials but they didn't get the results they anticipated in the end.
The only character that pisses me off and hate is that douchbag, Frank Hazard. How dare he harm an 11 year old!? I really hated him and I can't put it into words just how much I do hate him 😭
All in all, it's a nice read! I loved it!
The only character that pisses me off and hate is that douchbag, Frank Hazard. How dare he harm an 11 year old!? I really hated him and I can't put it into words just how much I do hate him 😭
All in all, it's a nice read! I loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
If you ask me, it feels like you watch two boys get beaten to heck and just barely surviving until the older and more capable one gets sick and injured. I didn't really enjoy this as much as I was forced to read it for a school project. I can't say the ending is very good either, it fizzled. It wasn't worth the time it took to read much too slow. if you like things a little bit more action packed but still world-building, I'd recommend something a little more action packed like The Circle by Ted Dekker or the spin-off series The Lost Books.
January 3, 2018
An adventure story with a strong plot and SO much excitement, plus Caroline Starr Rose manages to paint the characters so well. I really knew Jasper and his brother and many of the secondary characters. The dialog felt very authentic for two brothers and various bad and good guys searching for Klondike gold. Highly recommended for young readers who like their stories fast-paced, and told with heart.
September 15, 2018
Jasper and his brother Mel are well developed characters that are easy to cheer on as they tackle extreme challenges. In my opinion, the pacing of the story was off. Sometimes a story needs a slow pace but, this was not one. I think this story would have been great with a little more editing and focus. The riddle felt thrown in to the story at random times and then wrapped itself up rather quickly in the last few pages. Since the riddle made the title, I expected it more.
February 11, 2019
This was a very atmospheric, enjoyable story that I read to my kids. We learned about the Klondike gold rush, and the characters were well-developed. In the notes afterword the author mentions that Huckleberry Finn was an inspiration when creating the character of Jasper, and I could definitely see that. It was a fun adventure story.
June 18, 2023
I loved this book sooo much! I read it maybe a month ago and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Even now when people ask me what my favorite book is I recommend this one. I got it from a library but two minutes after I finished it I bought it off Amazon 😂🤭! I definitely recommend for really anyone, but I will say it’s more for pre-teens/early teens.
June 27, 2017
A rollicking, entertaining, and heart-felt adventure through the wilds of the Alaskan frontier. Two brothers down on their luck get gold fever and chase their dreams to the Klondike. Jasper is a unique narrator who will steal readers hearts from the very first page.
December 11, 2017
This was a so-so adventure story, but pretty hard to find believable at times on the heels of the long winter. I probably wouldn’t recommend, just because so many of the events seemed implausible, it felt like it detracted from the plot.
February 11, 2019
This book was pretty good.
At first I wasn't big with the fact it was written in the first person (especially because it was being read to me) but then I got used to it.
But this book is really good if you want to know more about the Klondike gold rush.
At first I wasn't big with the fact it was written in the first person (especially because it was being read to me) but then I got used to it.
But this book is really good if you want to know more about the Klondike gold rush.
October 18, 2021
Anything written by Caroline Starr Rose is worth picking up. Although Jasper had some hard themes (death of a parent, emotional abandonment by the other), it's a brave story of two brothers braving the Yukon in search of gold. Ages 10 and up
July 30, 2022
4 1/2 stars.
This was such a good book! Right up my alley and full of twists! Don’t want to spoil a whole lot. This is definitely a good read and I recommend it if you like mining, gold rushes, and young boy protagonists.
This was such a good book! Right up my alley and full of twists! Don’t want to spoil a whole lot. This is definitely a good read and I recommend it if you like mining, gold rushes, and young boy protagonists.
December 22, 2024
I started reading this to my littles, but stopped after I kept having to edit out parts with the abusive father. I continued reading it myself and got 1/3 way through when I gave up with the boredom of it. I struggle with children's books.
May 15, 2017
Great adventure story of the Klondike Gold Rush with a little mystery thrown in for fun! Could definitely use this as a read aloud for my Alaskan Gold Rush unit!
June 7, 2017
Wonderful story. Well told, creative, fun, suspenseful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews