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"I Witness: Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859: A Tale of the Old West" by Avi

Author:

Avi

Publisher:

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008

Reviewed by:

Kristine Wildner, Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin

The second in Avi’s new, solidly-researched historical fiction series, Hard Gold is the story of 14-year old Early, youngest son of a farmer faced with potential bankruptcy related to railroad expansion.   To help pay the family’s debts, Early’s uncle, Jesse, has gone to Colorado in search of the gold rumored to have been found at Pike’s Peak.  Early eventually follows Jesse to Colorado as a hired hand to a barber, his wife and teenage daughter, as they travel west for improved financial prospects.  Written as Early’s personal narrative, balanced with his diary entries, his point of view colors the story of westward expansion from a young teen’s perspective.  Plenty of dialogue moves the story forward, yet, unlike many historical narratives, it written in plain English, free from colloquialisms and unfamiliar syntax.  Numerous historical photographs, drawings and maps connect Early’s story to concrete, historical facts.  Weaving these facts together is a fascinating story of hardship, romance and suspense.  What are Jesse’s underlying motives? What about the man who followed Early in search of Jesse and his potential involvement in a bank robbery?   Is there really gold at Pike’s Peak?  With relatively short chapters, this book is a relatively quick read for intermediate and middle school readers.  My 6th grade reviewing companion enjoyed the story, yet doubts its appeal to the average student without the nudge of an assignment or recommendation.  The story is a perfect companion to the study of gold rush component of westward expansion.  Recommended for grades 4-7.