Jasper Read Alikes

As I worked on Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine I read novels and non-fiction geared at middle grade audiences, some about the Klondike, some not, but all about the gold. Here are some titles for you to enjoy!

Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill — This book is set in 1920s Alaska and is a wonderful glimpse into the gold mining world.

Jason’s Gold by Will Hobbs — Classic Will Hobbs (meaning adventure abounds) and a great picture of the Klondike Gold Rush.

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman — About a family relocating to California during the gold rush, and one of my absolute favorite books. (It’s Karen Cushman. Enough said.) Karen has beautiful things to say about Jasper!

By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleishman — Another California Gold Rush tale. I taught this while teaching fourth grade. Such a fun adventure!

The Call of the Wild by Jack London — A classic, which — confession — I’ve never read (though I’m a great fan of London’s Yukon short story, “To Build a Fire.”)

Call of the Klondike: A True Gold Rush Adventure by David Meissner and Kim Richardson — This non-fiction title is a wonderful study, full of letters, journals, maps and photographs.

Jack London and the Klondike Gold Rush by Peter Lourie — I just heard about this new work of non-fiction (coming in March) this morning!

Any others I might add to the list?