Away to the Goldfields!

Reach for this book when your teen is feeling restless with their daily routine or expresses a deep desire for independence and self discovery. It is perfect for a child navigating the transition from following family expectations to forging their own identity, especially when they feel a physical or emotional distance from a parent. This historical adventure follows sixteen year old Mary Margaret as she leaves the security of her New Hampshire farm to find her father in the California goldfields. It is a story of profound resilience and the messy, courageous reality of growing up. Parents will appreciate the way it balances the excitement of the 1840s gold rush with the emotional weight of family loyalty and the fear of the unknown. It is a solid choice for middle schoolers ready for a more complex look at history and the human spirit.