In the Heart of the Rockies [Paperback]

G. A. Henty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Packed with adventure?from gold mining, to running the unexplored Colorado River rapids, to surviving a mountain winter with nothing but ingenuity, resourcefulness, and perseverance?this story follows Tom Wade as he goes West as a boy and returns as a man.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An adventure stoy set in the unexplored recesses of the Rocky Mountains.

In the Heart of the Rockies is packed with adventure--from gold mining, to running the unexplored Colorado River rapids, to surviving a mountain winter with nothing but ingenuity, resourcefulness and perseverance. Follow along as Tom Wade goes West as a boy and returns as a young man.

This book reveals the rugged character demanded of mountain men by their environment and times, and describes the challenges of the American West--a part of our heritage that helped make our country great.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

From the Back Cover

Young people across America are rediscovering G. A. Henty, the 19th century literary genius whose historical adventures inspire boys to honesty, courage, diligence, and duty. Writing from a Christian perpective, Henty weaves the adventures of a fictional boy hero together with real-life events. His stories are as accurate as they are exciting, so children get important lessons in history which they remember long afterward. Just as important, these lessons come without the immoral overtones of modern novels.

In the Heart of the Rockies is a tale of the Old West that is sure to thrill the young explorers in your home. It's 1860 and 16-year-old Tom Wade has just lost both parents. Facing an uncertain future in England with his sisters, Tom sets sail for America to join his Uncle Harry in the untamed Rocky Mountain wilderness. In Denver, Tom meets friends of Harry and one offers to lead him to his uncle in the backcountry. On the way, Tom learns to ride and shoot, and just in time. When they meet Harry, he and his party are under attack by the Arapaho Indians . . .

"The sound of firing became louder and louder, and Tom felt his heart beat quickly at the thought that he might soon be engaged in a desperate fight with the Indians, and with the odds greatly against his party. 'Come,' Leaping Horse said briefly, at once turning and going off at a swift pace. Jerry asked no questions, but, with Tom, followed close on the Indian's heels. The others followed him and lying down behind the bushes peered through them. Half an hour passed and then a loud yell gave the signal and the two troops galloped towards the rock."

Here begins Tom's two years of adventures which include more Indian fights . . . big-game hunts . . . explorations and mining . . . a snowy winter high in the Rockies . . . and running the rapids on the unexplored Colorado River. His courage and perseverance pays off. Not only does he build friendships that last a lifetime, he achieves his goal of returning home to give his orphaned sisters a life they never dreamed possible.

Valuable Bonus for Homeschoolers

Includes a Build-Your-Vocabulary Glossary of 330 words. Each word is cross-referenced to its page number so children can easily go back and see how it is used in the story.

Other G. A. Henty Books Available from Lost Classics Book Company: With Lee in Virginia, A Tale of the Western Plains, The Young Carthaginian

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 385 pages
• Publisher: Lost Classic Books; Reprint from 1894 copyright edition, 1998 Printing edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890623083
• ISBN-13: 978-1890623081
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,679,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True History, July 11, 2000

By 

Blake Bishop-Keith's Marine (Apollo Beach, Fl USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Heart of the Rockies (Paperback)

This book, although fiction, is true history. It was written by Henty in 1894. It's a classic adventure novel right up there in the ranks of Swiss Family Robinson. Henty was an outstanding writer of his time. It's very easy to get lost in this book, I'd be suprised if anyone could read it without putting it down. It's full of references and dialect of days long gone by. I want to jump into a time machine and go live with Tom for a while and quit worrying about traffic and work. I am fortune enough to own an original 1894 hard copy of this book that was given to me by a family friend and will cherrish it for ever.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is really exciting and informative., February 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Heart of the Rockies (Paperback)

This book presents a factual side of western history in an exciting way! That is very rare these days. From the first few pages, you are drawn in by young Tom's determination to join his uncle in Colorado and the dangers, joys, and sorrows he encounters along the way. I read this book in five days; it is an impossible put-down! All those who love history or just great stories will love this book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly wonderful read, December 31, 2010

By 

Scomagg (Peninsula, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Heart of the Rockies (Kindle Edition)

A well written adventure that moves at an excellent pace. Engrossing details on outdoor skills such as survival and tracking, but these are well spaced and enhance the story. Definitely a must for fans of frontier literature and western expansion. A picture into a long gone era of when America was still wild. Highly recommended.