Monday, January 15, 2018

Blashfield, Jean F. California Gold Rush and the 49ers


Blashfield, Jean F.      California Gold Rush and the 49ers            Capstone Publishers 2018   32p     27.32  978-1-5157-7116-6            elm/ms                        VG-BNS           
“Readers will learn about the California Gold Rush, the people who went there to find their fortunes, and how this event shaped the history of California and the United States.”  Upper elementary and middle school students who enjoy learning about United States history will enjoy this new title on the California Gold Rush in the “Fact Finders: Landmarks in U.S. History” series.  Written in a story-like fashion, students gain a better understanding about the California Gold Rush.  From the deadly journey to California through challenging terrain and weather to the actual discovery of gold for some adventurers, students become aware of the difficulties many faced while trying to strike it rich.  Fortune seekers came by land and sea and didn’t realize the dangers, including death from disease that this journey took.  The author touched upon the miners and basic mining, as well as women who played a role in the gold rush.  Students learn how the Gold Rush played a vital role in the development of California and its diversity.

The author includes both color and black-and-white period portraits, interesting “Did You Know” facts, maps, sidebars, a glossary of terms, critical thinking questions, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound, and an index.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, an existing test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 189870).           Fact Finders (Capstone)     As of this review, four titles have been published in this new series, Fact Finders: Landmarks in U.S. History.  Each title shows the daring adventurers and  why what they did helped shape the United States.  Titles include the Pony Express, Lewis & Clark, the California Gold Rush, and the Santa Fe Trail.           Forba-MacCain, Charleen Gold Rush : U.S. History ; California Gold Discoveries.

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