California Gold Rush: Search for Treasure (Adventures in Frontier America Series)
Adventures In Frontier America Series
What’s inside...
In California in 1848, two brothers are helping to build a sawmill for John Sutter when they witness the discovery of gold by Mr. Marshall. As news of the discovery spreads and people from all over come to stake their claims, the brothers decide to stake out a claim for themselves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for kids your age during the California Gold Rush?
How would you feel if you had to travel far from home in search of treasure?
What are some ways the characters in the story showed bravery and determination?
Do you think finding gold would change your life? How?
What did you learn about teamwork from the adventurers in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, which can make the historical events more relatable. Use descriptive language from the book to help visualize the scenes. Discuss the moral and ethical decisions characters made and relate them to your child’s everyday life. Lastly, compliment your child's insights to boost their confidence and interest in discussing more.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The characters in 'California Gold Rush: Search for Treasure' display determination despite numerous challenges during the gold rush era.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying and work hard towards their goals, whether in school projects or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of working together and supporting each other in the quest for gold.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of cooperation and helping their peers in group tasks or sports.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently adjust to new environments and situations, a crucial aspect of surviving during the gold rush.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be flexible and adapt to changes, such as moving to a new school or trying out different activities.
Example Lesson: Ethics and Fairness
Explanation: The book portrays the significance of ethical behavior and fairness in dealings, a critical lesson amidst the competitive search for gold.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to always be honest and fair in their interactions and competitions with others.
Example Lesson: Reality of Consequences
Explanation: The narrative does not shy away from showing the realistic outcomes of choices made by the characters during the gold rush.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have consequences, teaching them to think before they act.