Gold Fever [Hardcover]

Rosalyn Schanzer (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Using eyewitness accounts from the real men, women, and children of the gold rush, this absorbing picture book combines the words of the gold seekers and vibrant folk-art style paintings to make a memorable introduction to one of the most colorful chapters in American history.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Plying the same visually jam-packed format she used to great advantage in How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark, Schanzer here turns from the lucid narrative provided by Lewis's diary to a more atmospheric account of the California Gold Rush. She begins with the January 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter's mill andAin comic book-style panels accompanied by snippets from actual diaries, letters and newspaper accountsAfollows the topsy-turvy routes by land and sea to the hustle and bustle of the West Coast boomtowns. Employing such first-hand quotes as "I hate to desert. I am almost crazy, as I have the gold fever shocking bad" from a California soldier's letter to his brother in Boston, Schanzer vivifies the past and weaves her information together thematically (old-fashioned handbill style typeface announces such subjects as "Off to the Diggings" and "Night Life"). This overview, with its brief, digestible chunks, will likely tempt the appetites of budding historians, and the visual structure keeps the pace brisk. An author's note at the end puts into context the engaging historical anecdotes. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-As she did in How We Crossed the West (National Geographic, 1998), Schanzer inventively combines first-person accounts with lively artwork to bring history to life. Her amusing folk-art illustrations, drawn with acrylic paints on rough canvas, match the spirit of the times, showing a variety of emotions through simple and appealing figures. She depicts the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, details the various routes travelers used to get to California, and describes the triumphs and disappointments of the prospectors. Paintings full of color and motion show the rocky roads of the overland trails, the excitement of the digging sites, and the liveliness of San Francisco. All of the accompanying text comes directly from historical sources, including letters, newspapers, and journals, and is presented in blocks of text and dialogue balloons. By deftly arranging the dozens of quotes and carefully laying out the illustrations, the author presents a smooth and easy-to-follow narrative. Some of the tidbits are humorous while others are more serious. Many, such as the description of blankets "well filled with athletic and courageous and determined fleas," are both interesting and illuminating, conveying the day-to-day concerns of the people involved. Other books can fill in the facts and figures related to the gold rush, but Gold Fever! makes a uniquely exciting introduction to a fascinating period.
Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library, OR
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792273036
• ISBN-13: 978-0792273035
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,075,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gold Fever! Tales from the California Gold Rush, January 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Gold Fever (Hardcover)

The story of the California gold rush is told through (short) actual quotes from those involved, arranged in a sequential manner. This non-fiction book is entertaining and informative and reads like a comic book. It is a historical edition and has excellent color illustrations. Recommended reading for 1st through the 6th grade, as well as the teachers of these grades,

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, April 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Gold Fever (Hardcover)

Gold Fever by Roz Schanzer is a terrific book, not only with the information that it covers, but with its glorious illustrations. The children I teach are totally entralled when we read this book together. Hope to see more great work from this author/illustrator in the future.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adults as well as children love this book., April 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Gold Fever (Hardcover)

The quotes make the telling very readable and enjoyable. I like the style of paper and the way Ms Schanzer did the pictures, told the story and made the reader feel like he/she had more information and a feel for the times. Good work!