A Book is Launched!

Two school visits (with one more coming). Three author events (with another next weekend). I think it’s safe to say Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine has officially made its way into the world.

I asked my son to take some pictures during Saturday’s launch party. You’ll see they’re very… animated. What can I say? I get excited when I talk books!

My son Noah says, “Sometimes you were doing something, like, normal, but when Caleb took the picture you turned to weird.”

Weird, for sure.

Here’s the front page of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for July 17, 1897. It’s the news that set the Klondike Gold Rush — and Jasper and Melvin’s story — in motion.

This photograph is actually of the steamer Queen, the ship the Johnson boys take to Skagway, Alaska. While my characters are fictitious, I wanted to be sure their journey fit into the historical record.

And here is one of the most iconic images from the Klondike Gold Rush — the Golden Stairs at the top of the Chilkoot Pass. Jasper and Melvin pass through before the stairs were carved into the ice (and before there was this much snow), but their climb up the mountain is still was a tough one.

It’s been wonderful these last few weeks to hear so much enthusiasm from early readers. If you’re looking to buy an autographed copy, you can do so through Bookworks bookstore here in Albuquerque. Simply click through.

If you’re anxious to share a bit of background about the gold rush with your students, here’s a quick video with a great overview. I’ll be sure to share when Jasper’s educator’s guide is up and ready to go!