Book: Gold Rush Girl (2020)
Author: Avi
Genre: MG, Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Basic plot: Tory is determined not to be left behind when her father and brother set off to join the gold rush in San Francisco. Of course, things aren’t quite as “golden” once they arrive. Dad leaves the kids behind while he goes to strike it rich. Tory is supposed to watch Jacob, and when Jacob goes missing… it’s up to her to find him. With the help of some new friends, she’s determined to search high and low, even if it means searching every abandoned ship on Rotten Row.
WHAT’S COOL…
1) This book has a great opening line: “Have you ever been struck by lightning? I have.” Of course, she’s not talking about actual lightning, but more about being struck by gold rush fever. Clever way to get us into the story!
2) At first, I thought the style was a little old-fashioned, but then I realized this was done on purpose. All the literary references warmed my heart! From Mr. Poe to Mr. Benjamin Franklin! The “fine new publications such as Oliver Twist, Wuthering Heights, and Vanity Fair…” Not sure how young kids will read this, but I liked it.
3) I loved the character of Senor Rosales! I love how he believes Tory about her missing brother. And even makes them his priority. (I liked him better than the dad.)
4) An interesting historical setting is always a bonus for me! I particularly enjoyed the author’s note at the end about Rotten Row…
5) Thad and Sam make for some good friendships for Tory. The end of the book is rather open-ended which leaves room for some more adventures for these three!
WHAT’S NOT COOL…
1) Gold Rush Girl, I expected a little more gold in the story. All the hunting for gold is done off-page. Instead, this book has a lot of ships…
2) I did find the middle of the book to drag a bit. However, it does pick up again when the brother goes missing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My rating is 4 Stars (out of 5) – I enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of Avi’s True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, which is another rollicking sea-adventure. I would definitely recommend for kids interested in history, especially the era of the gold rush. Note that the style of writing is a little old fashioned.
**Note: I received a free copy of this title from the people at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
YOUR TURN…
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…
Of Maria Antonia 
It sounds cute! I think you’re right, some of those references would be lost on the MG readers of 2020, but that old literary style might be interesting to some!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely! Which is why this is one book that will appeal to a larger age-range.
LikeLike
I remember seeing Patricia Tilton review this book and thinking it sounded intriguing, and your review makes it sound even better! I love the opening line as well. Thanks for the great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you like it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like the first line. I remember Patricia reviewing this too. You both have me hoping my library has it. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked this, but agree with you that it has an old fashioned style and not enough gold! Thanks for the review. (and I’m willing to cut Avi some slack- isn’t he over 80?)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I think he’s 82 🙂 I just heard an interview with him about this book. Really enjoyed that!
LikeLike
I’ve enjoyed so many Avi books over the past ten years, but haven’t caught up to this one yet. Love the premise and the history. Thanks for sharing on MMGM. I’ve added it to my future read list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the history part fascinated me. It was new to me, which is hard to do these days since I love reading historical fiction. 🙂
LikeLike
Great review! I read this a couple months ago, and had similar feelings. The boats and Rotten Row were pretty cool, though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I loved learning about Rotten Row. And the fact that the city of San Francisco has been built over it!
LikeLike
I loved this book, although the gold rush theme didn’t grab me at first. Once I got into the story I couldn’t put it down. And, I see a sequel in this book with an open ending. Great review. You touched on things I didn’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, definitely saw that opening for a sequel! I went back and read your full review and enjoyed it 🙂
LikeLike
I think that opening line is terrific, and it would sure make me keep reading. Thanks for your review. I will check this one out.
LikeLike