Gold Mountain

Read aloud (to 9 yr old girl) to go along with Western Expansion and Gold Rush (History year 3, Unit 3). We read it in particular because it takes place in Oregon, the family is going from Western Oregon to Eastern. The town we live in was even mentioned, which was really enjoyable considering the book was originally published in 1946. A somewhat simple story, lower reading than we usually use for read alouds, but I think it gave a fairly good idea of what settling a new town would be like. I liked that it was from the perspective of the brother and sister who worked right alongside their parents. Our favorite part was definitely chapter three about how they name their mine. A simpler time but enjoyable to read about this family and the work it took to make a home in an unsettled, at least to start, area. I think boys and girls could equally enjoy this title and likely read it on their own during a study of the unit.

We read this book aloud as a family (6yo girl and 9yo boy). Both loved this story. They dreamed about becoming pioneers and panning for gold. There was suspense, mystery, and excitement to keep us turning pages! We were confused throughout the story of the mother not being well enough to travel, but it all ended up making sense in the last few pages! What a patriotic and sweet ending! As with all books we read aloud from TGTB, my kids are upset there isn’t a sequel! They always want more of these delightful stories!

I recently read this as a read aloud to my 7 and 5 year old kids. They were enthralled and loved the story. I also was intrigued enough to keep reading. The pictures included sporadically throughout were a nice addition. My only complaint is that the story line with their mother being sick doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. My kids didn’t notice though and thoroughly enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of suspense, danger, and adventure. With a good wholesome family leading the tale.

Boys and girls alike get into this story. The setting and challenges of the times and circumstances are well described. I love the feel of family togetherness as they face new experiences.

My daughter liked this book, but it wasn’t her very favorite. She felt it was a little slow – but that said, she finished it in about two days! She enjoyed it – and I love that I can trust TGATB to pick fantastic, moral, books! I would recommend.