By the Great Horn Spoon!

For fans of I Survived and Dear America, this rollicking adventure about the California Gold Rush is a classic tale from the award-winning author of The Whipping Boy, with illustrations from beloved children’s artist Brett Helquist (A Series of Unfortunate Events).

Jack’s aunt is in trouble. Even after she sells her beloved mansion, she still doesn’t have enough money to pay off all her debts or, more importantly, to take care of twelve-year-old Jack and his two sisters. Luckily Jack has a plan!

He’s going to strike gold. Setting out from Boston with his stuffy but trusty butler, Praiseworthy, the two of them stow away on a ship bound for California--and the Gold Rush. Along the way they’ll meet sailors, miners, outlaws, and wild animals. But will it all be worth it when they strike it rich?

Full of action, danger, and intrigue, this historic adventure paints a vivid picture of the old west, and continues to entertain children of each new generation.

Perfect for...
★ Adventurers!
★ Cowboy enthusiasts
★ Classroom reads
★ Budding history lovers
★ Californians

The Newbery Award-winning author of The Whipping Boy, Sid Fleischman is an author of more than sixty children’s books, as well as screenplays, novels for adults, and books on magic. He lives in California.
Brett Helquist is the illustrator of many books, including the New York Times bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. He is also the author of Bedtime for Bear and Roger, the Jolly Pirate. He grew up in Utah and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.