From School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Four hundred people left Hobble Creek, UT, to seek California gold in 1849. This book focuses on four families that faced perilous conditions as they tried to survive the rigors of the journey. The Brier family followed a larger group of men, and nearly all died of thirst when they fell behind. The Wades veered south, avoiding much of Death Valley, but still had to live on "half a cup of milk each day." Two other families struck camp in the valley, trusting two young men to find a way out and bring back help. The travelers' varied experiences show how crucial each choice was, and how courage, determination, and luck can sometimes overcome life-threatening conditions. The suffering is not sensationalized; straightforward descriptions of dried-up lakes, swollen tongues, and cow-bone soup effectively convey the harshness of the journey. The author integrates primary-source quotations into the text and clearly notes the few occasions in which she speculates on unrecorded events. The impartial narrative allows readers to form their own opinions about the participants, based on their actions, words, and the recorded views of their co-travelers. A map shows the three main routes, though its placement toward the end of the book lessens its usefulness. Illustrations include black-and-white portrait photos of most of the key figures, along with modern photographs of the landscape. The Death Valley route is often ignored or just briefly noted in gold rush books, making this a useful addition.-Steven Engelfried, Deschutes County Library, Bend, OR
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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