Gold! Gold from the American River! January 24, 1848: The Day the Gold Rush Began

Don Brown's 'Gold! Gold from the American River!' vividly recounts the pivotal moment of James Marshall's discovery that launched the California Gold Rush. This engaging chapter book for ages 4-11 delves into the historical context, the perilous journeys across the American landscape, the practicalities of gold panning, and the rise of savvy entrepreneurs. Crucially, it also sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of marginalized groups, including slaves, American Indians, women, and foreigners, offering a more complete and nuanced picture of this transformative period in American history. It's an excellent resource for introducing young readers to historical events and social studies.

When James Marshall found a small, soft shiny stone in a California stream, he knew it could only be one thing: Gold! His cry of discovery would be heard around the world. In the third installment of Don Brown's Actual Times series, Gold! Gold from the American River! is the story of the California gold rush--the uncharted journey across hostile land, the laborious process of panning for gold, the success of savvy entrepreneurs, and the fortunes of the marginalized, from slaves and American Indians to women and foreigners.