…word of the Klondike Gold Rush — a discovery made a year before in a remote part of Canada’s Yukon Territory — reached the rest of the world. Thousands of people from every corner of the globe raced to the Klondike, eager get rich quick.
Today my Klondike adventure Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine releases in paperback. Newbery-Award winning author Karen Cushman calls it “a rip-roaring tale and a romping good read.”
Kirkus says “Jasper narrates in the present tense, his homespun voice evoking both emotion and adventure. Villains and allies provide colorful melodrama, but it’s the brothers’ struggle to survive the Yukon wilderness with its harsh beauty and unforgiving cold that will keep readers entranced.”
The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books describes it as a “mash-up of clue-driven mystery, historical fiction, and survival story.”
Barnes and Noble Kids’ Blog says “Jasper’s emotions become the reader’s emotions and we are drawn along with him through hope, despair, desperation, and perseverance, to a climactic end that strikes all the right chords.”
And Sarah Mackenzie of the Read Aloud Revival says “This is Caroline Starr Rose at her best yet. I loved this book. Perfect for ages 8-12 but I enjoyed it every bit as much as a kid would.“
Want to read it with your students or book club? Here’s a discussion and activity guide.
Want a behind-the-scenes glimpse into writing the book? Here’s the Notebook Series post on Jasper.
Want to feel extra academic? Here are two posts exploring Jasper and Huckleberry Finn.
Remember how Forrest Fenn’s treasure hunt partially inspired the book? Have you heard the latest? The treasure was hidden in Yellowstone!
Want to order your own copy? (You know you do!) Click through. Order before July 26 and you’re eligible for some fun giveaways. Learn more here. ** Note: This only applies to readers ordering copies for themselves and not requesting their library purchase a copy (though that is greatly appreciated).**
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It’s almost July, which means it’s almost time for my annual blogging break. This year my virtual break is a time of physical rest, too. My husband Dan has a nine-week sabbatical from his role as a pastor, and the whole family is benefitting. We’ve just returned from the Pacific Northwest. Next up: Alaska (where I’ll be sure to wave to the Johnson boys). You’ll hear from me Tuesday July 26, the day Miraculous releases. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful summer full of rest, adventure, and good reading.
