Benoit, Peter. The California Gold Rush.

Benoit, Peter.  The California Gold Rush.  Scholastic/Grolier         64p  $21.05  978-0-531-23053-4  2013  elm/ms  VG-Bnes  series: Cornerstones of Freedom   Nonfiction

Upper-elementary students are introduced to the California Gold Rush through a comprehensive view and account of this important event in our great nation’s history.  Students are provided with background information on the changes that took place in California with westward expansion.  With the discovery of gold at a California sawmill, California’s population increased rapidly, and this was the leading cause of westward expansion to this state.  Students are introduced to John Sutter and James Marshall, who are two key people in this important event and time frame.  The Gold Rush not only helped California’s economy, but also helped stimulate economies around the world.  Transportation to California and around the United States increased, as new roads and railways were built to accommodate California’s agriculture expansion and to ship goods to and from other areas.  While the Gold Rush was good in many ways, it also affected the United States in negative ways.  The mining industry started to change, and tensions between whites and Native Americans began to rise because forests were being cleared to make room for new settlers.  

The author uses several primary sources, including firsthand accounts, personal quotations, spotlights, today’s perspective, and black-and-white period photographs to help students dive into the events of the Gold Rush.  Students learn about influential individuals, a timeline of events, recommended books and web sites, a living history, a glossary of terms, and a comprehensive index. 

California Gold Rush                                                                                                                --Charleen Forba-Mayer