Hard Gold: the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859

Avi.  2008.  Hard Gold: the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859.  New York: Hyperion Books for Children..  ISBN 9781423105190

Early Wittcomb, at the age of fourteen, embarks on a seven-hundred mile journey to find his uncle, gold to save the family farm. Early runs away and finds much more than what he sought. Early quickly discovers that the world is not always what it seems and that love, pride, danger and disappointment can be found in unexpected places.

Avi develops the characters in Hard Gold fully. Each voice, small or large, is believable in its fallibility. This, accompanied by the creative, yet convincing, events that occur along the wagon train, forms an authentic telling of a journey out west with the elements of a good plot, which will capture the attention of readers until the lat page.

Most of the book takes a loose diary form, in which Early tells of daily events of the journey. Because of this, his knowledge of historical events and places is imperative to the reader’s understanding of the itinerant setting. On only a couple of occasions, was I brought out of the story to wonder where a farm boy from Iowa would have picked up a specific piece of information.

This book ties in themes of morality, friendship and responsibility, while emphasizing the requirements for survival in dyer economic times. This relevancy to the current economic downturn cannot be ignored; even the importance of small-business is touched upon.

Hard Gold will be an asset to any history, economics or English class, and will undoubtedly ignite a spark of interest in young minds. Avi includes an array of authentic photographs, maps and illustrations throughout, as well as a bibliography, glossary, and author notes, at the end of the book.

“Avi brings to life the Colorado Gold Rush, the wagon train experience, and the lust for easy riches.” (Voice of Youth Advocates/October 2008)

"A rewarding addition." (School Library Journal/Septermber 2008)

"...[its authentic touches of history and adventure are a good combination for readers who might resist straight nonfiction." (Booklist/September 2008)