The Balloon Boy of San Francisco [Hardcover]

Dorothy Kupcha Leland (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Based on the true story of a teenage boy who, in 1893, was accidentally launched in California's first hot-air balloon. It paints a vivid portrait of everyday life in San Francisco five years after the discovery of gold.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A skillful blend of history and fiction. -- Western Writers of America, August, 2005

An excellent adventure for young and not-so-young adventurers. -- Ballooning, Journal of the Balloon Federation of America. Jan/Feb. 2005

Smart, lively writing and colorful dialogue. -- Sacramento Bee, October 2, 2005

With it's colorful details, this book brings Gold Rush history to life. -- Washington Post, Dec. 4, 2004

With its colorful details, this book brings Gold Rush history to life. -- Washington Post, December 5, 2004

From the Publisher

In 1853, San Francisco newsboy Ready Gates lives up to his nickname. He's ready for anything--whether it's shouting the headlines from a street corner, sneaking onto a river boat, or tracking down a missing gold miner. But when he crosses the bay to watch the ascension of the first balloon ever brought to California, his adventures suddenly take an unexpected turn.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tomato Enterprises (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961735740
• ISBN-13: 978-0961735746
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,410,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An adventure novel based on a true story, January 3, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Balloon Boy of San Francisco (Paperback)

The Balloon Boy Of San Francisco is an adventure novel based on a true story. Set in San Francisco during 1853, it follows the wide-eyed exploits of an enthusiastic young man whose pasttimes include shouting the latest newspaper headlines from a street corner, and tracking down a gold miner who has gone missing. But when he has the opportunity to watch a hot-air balloon ascension, his life takes a exciting new turn. Based upon diaries and historical documents from the gold-rush era, The Balloon Boy Of San Francisco brings the past to vibrant life, recreating history and setting with such detail it's the next best thing to stepping into a time machine. The protagonist's contagious enthusiasm that lifts one's spirits in this upbeat story, intended for young adults but suitable for all ages.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Upbeat and Delightful, April 3, 2005

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Balloon Boy of San Francisco (Hardcover)

I found this book to be delightful. It is the story of a newsboy named Ready Gates who lived in the year 1853 in the city of San Francisco. Based on a true story, we journey with Ready and his family during the time of the gold rush in California.
Times were hard for most families in San Francisco and so it was for this one as well, but they had a plan. Ready and his father were going to go pan for gold. Ready dreamed of having a life of luxury after they made the big find, but his dream was shattered after his father had an accident and was bedridden. However, Ready had yet another adventure in store for him.
Heartbroken over the loss of his dream, Ready throws himself into trying to sell more papers and become a newspaper writer. He meets some very colorful and entertaining characters that you will enjoy; and opens his heart to a young girl who is desperately seeking her brother, and whom Ready will help her find.
One day, Ready sees an add that the first balloon ascension was about to take place in San Francisco; he had to make sure he was there. As fate would have it, Ready ends up taking the balloon ride and having the adventure of his life.
This is a great book, a short read that is entertaining and insightful. I believe you will enjoy sharing the adventures and life of Ready Gates and his amazing balloon ride.
Very enjoyable read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Adventure for Readers of All Ages, March 7, 2005

By 

Cheryl Mccann "Review-Books" (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Balloon Boy of San Francisco (Hardcover)

The Balloon Boy of San Francisco is a delightful true story that readers of all ages will enjoy. Ready Gates, a newsboy, and his family moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco to find their fortune in gold during the 1850s.

Ready, a 14 year old red-haired adventurous boy, will take us on many journeys throughout the story. The reader is given a glimpse into history of the California Gold Rush and everyday life in San Francisco in 1853 as in the sinking of the Steamship Independence with 125 people onboard, the characters of the gold rushers and a fortune teller, close call on the steamer, and the Rassette House fire.

Ready decides to go watch the first hot-air balloon ascension in San Francisco. In doing so, his life makes an unexpected turn. Read on to find out how it all ends for The Balloon Boy of San Francisco.

Dorothy Kupcha Leland's research and superb writing has created a beautifully detailed, colorful historical book that is a joy to read. She has also written SALLIE FOX: THE STORY OF A PIONEER GIRL.