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FROM SONYA:
Looking for a new read for your middle-grader?
I picked up Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine by Caroline Starr Rose and wasn't able to put it down until the end.
Jasper and his brother, Melvin, desperate to escape their small town in Washington, go on an adventurous journey to find gold in the Klondike.
Full of mystery, narrow escapes, and intrigue, this is a fun read, especially for boys who dream of adventure.
FROM THE BOOK:
Desperate to get away from their drunkard of a father, eleven-year-old Jasper and his older brother Melvin often talk of running away, of heading north to Alaska to chase riches beyond their wildest dreams. The Klondike Gold Rush is calling, and Melvin has finally decided the time to go is now—even if that means leaving Jasper behind. But Jasper has other plans and follows his brother aboard a steamer as a stowaway.
Onboard the ship, Jasper overhears a rumor about One-Eyed Riley, an old coot who's long since gone, but is said to have left clues to the location of his stake, which still has plenty of gold left. The first person to unravel the clues and find the mine can stake the claim and become filthy rich. Jasper is quick to catch gold fever and knows he and Melvin can find the mine—all they have to do is survive the rough Alaskan terrain, along with the steep competition from the unscrupulous and dangerous people they encounter along the way.
MY RATING: ☆☆☆☆
☆ star = highly disliked & probably didn't finish.
☆☆ stars = wouldn't recommend.
☆☆☆ stars = mostly good but may have some concerns.
☆☆☆☆stars = very good.
☆☆☆☆☆ stars = reserved for my absolute favorite books.
Recommended Ages: 10- 12 years ( I definitely agree with this age range suggestions).
Valuable Lessons: Loyalty and work ethic. This story could also be used for character-building discussions about the effects of greed.
Things to Consider: The boy's mother has passed away and their father is an alcoholic. Because of this, the father doesn't treat them very kindly. Nothing too graphic is portrayed except some yelling and neglect. Throughout the story, there are a few mentions of alcohol, mostly made in passing.
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