Author: Caroline Starr Rose
Age group: 10 - 14
Page count: 304 pages
Expected publication: February 7th, 2017
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Summary from Amazon:
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.
The author told you a lot about the Klondike Gold Rush in the story. The protagonist and his brother found out about it through newspapers and by mouth. The dialogue between the characters revealed important information about the gold rush. At the end, the author also gave you lots of extra information that was really helpful. It was clear she did a lot of research!
The clues that led to the mine made you eagerly want to find out what happened next. I really wanted the characters to be happy and I was rooting for them all the way.
I really like that the cover shows the story. It's bright, colorful, and relates to the book very well.
Jasper and Melvin's determination and perseverance taught me some good lessons. Even though they faced hardships such as hunger, they didn't give up because they were searching for a better life.
The relationship between the brothers was touching. Even though they may have made some bad decisions, they cared deeply about each other and did what they thought would be best for each other.
This book reminded me a little bit of Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg because of the similar setting.
I give Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine a seven out of ten! With a great setting, conflict and relatable characters, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about the Klondike Gold Rush.
Author bio:
Taken from her website.
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Have a great week, and read!
- Vi