Fool's Gold

This historical adventure chapter book transports young readers to the Victorian Goldfields at the turn of the 20th Century. It follows Jack and Tom, two boys driven by desperation to find a legendary gold hoard to feed their starving families. The story weaves in factual details about gold panning and family life during this era, while also introducing elements of mystery and mild suspense with the legend of McHool's ghost and a rival character, Laura. It's a tale of resilience, family love, and the challenges of a bygone era, suitable for children aged 4-11.

Fun and factual children's story of the Victorian Goldfields at the turn of the 20th Century. Gold panning, hunger, family life and historical details all feature. Jack and Tom, two boys living on the Victorian goldfields, need money to buy food for their starving families. In desperation, Jack has been 'borrowing' food from the storeroom at the back of Haggarty's store. The boys have heard the legend of McHool's gold, and they are determined to find the missing hoard. There are just a couple of things that might get in their way: firstly, the legend says that McHool's ghost guards the gold, and will put a curse on the finder. And secondly, bossy Laura Haggarty, whose mother owns the store, is sure that the gold, when it is found, is rightfully hers!