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

Blashfield, Jean F.  California Gold Rush and the 49ers. Capstone Publishers     2018   32p.  $27.32  ISBN 978-1-5157-7116-6  elem/ms  Nonfiction  VG-BNS 

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, the book allows students to 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 learn 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 presented to them.  The author touches upon the miners and basic mining, as well as the women who played a role in the Gold Rush.  Students also 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, a test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 189870).      

As of this review, four titles have been published in this new series, Fact Finders: Landmarks in U.S. History.  Each title features daring adventurers and the reasons their actions helped shape the United States.  Titles include The Pony Express, Lewis & Clark, The California Gold Rush, and the Santa Fe Trail.         

Summary: “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.”         

Gold Rush, U.S. History, California Gold Discoveries.                                                                                                                         --Charleen Forba-MacCain

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