Customer Reviews

The Balloon Boy of San Francisco

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 Based upon diaries and historical documents from the gold-rush era, The Balloon Boy Of San Francisco brings the past to vibrant life, recreating history and setting with such detail it's the next best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.

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.

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.

What a fun way to learn about San Francisco during gold rush times! With appeal for both children and adults, Balloon Boy would be a great tool for middle school history teachers. This would also be a great gift for boys who need a little extra motivation to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm way older than the juvenile target audience. The well-researched historical background, and fictionalization of real events, makes it far more than just a retelling of an old folk tale. Ready and his family are fully-drawn, believable characters with many of the problems today's families face, though we probably aren't hoping to strike it rich in the gold fields. I recommend this book to parents as an excellent read-aloud, especially for boys 8 and up, but I think girls would enjoy it too.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends THE BALLOON BOY OF SAN FRANCISCO as a lively recreation of the life & times of the golden years of pioneers, as seen through the eyes of a young newspaper boy in search of fame & fortune.

Along the way he meets all sorts of movers & shakers, con artists & real artists, yet nothing tops his death-defying trip aloft which coined him the name of "balloon boy".

Entertaining Read ........ Recommended 4 stars

The Review

The discovery of gold served to prompt San Francisco into becoming a thriving city overflowing with activity and people in addition to the city serving as an important hub with numerous ties to the rest of the nation. Set five years after the discovery of gold The Balloon Boy of San Francisco depicts a vivid peek into every day life in this busy, exhilarative city on the bay. Writer Leland has done her research well to provide details necessary to bring to life the colorful gold rush era in this appealing narrative telling of red haired Ready, Joseph, Gates and the eye-popping, unexpected journey he made as is recorded in early California and other of the nation's newspapers.

As a native Californian who was myself born in the bay area, I particularly enjoyed this fascinating, well-written tale. The Balloon Boy of San Francisco is an excellent choice for pleasure reading, classroom `California' unit work, the homeschool curriculum as well as home and school libraries.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

Reviewed by: molly martin
20+ years California classroom teacher

worst experience i have ever had purchasing an item online. horrible communication between seller, amazon and myself. had to basically get crazy on the phone numerous times before my order got fixed.

Needed book for a class. thought i was getting 2 day shipping like my other book.
turned out the seller only shipped using standard and i didnt know.
never got book for 2 weeks. had to buy book from school.
seller wouldnt not communicate with me so that this matter could be fixed.
i will never shop from seller again.
and i am hesitant to use amazon again also.