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Despite writing and format imperfections, this is an important primary source story of a young refugee during World War II. Purchase where demand in this subject area is strong.
Fans of the first book may enjoy the nonstop histrionics, but others can pass this by.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library
In this second book in the projected trilogy beginning with Walk on Earth a Stranger (rev. 9/15), sixteen-year-old narrator Leah ("Lee") Westfall--gifted with the "witchy" talent for finding gold--and company stake their claim in California. But trouble's not far behind: Lee's murderous uncle Hiram has tracked her down and orders his henchmen to set the camp ablaze. To protect the settlement from further attacks, Lee--accompanied by best friend/love interest Jefferson and by Tom, one of the three bachelor "college men"--surrenders to Hiram, who is desperate to exploit her gold-finding abilities. Held captive at "Hiram's Gulch," but with innumerable freedoms and luxuries compared to the Chinese and Native American people enslaved by her uncle, Lee joins an uprising against him--and learns disturbing information about her own family. Carson's alternate Gold Rush-era setting is fierce and brutal: the uprising is very bloody, and many of the good guys perish. The socio-politics, too, are complicated. Jackson's mother was Cherokee (his father was a violently abusive white settler), and as glad as he is to be back with Lee in their soon-to-be-chartered town, he bristles at the idea of owning property: "It's not my land, Lee. And it wouldn't be right to justâ¦take it." An informative author's note provides additional historical context. elissa gershowitz
To protect their settlement, sixteen-year-old Lee (Walk on Earth a Stranger) and love interest Jefferson surrender to Lee's murderous uncle Hiram--who's desperate to exploit her gold-finding abilities. Captive, but with innumerable freedoms compared to the Chinese and Native American people enslaved by her uncle, Lee joins an uprising against him. Carson's alternate Gold Rushera setting is fierce and brutal with complex sociopolitics.
Based on a true incident, this is an engaging offering for readers who seek to broaden their global perspective. Especially good for teachers to use as a spark for classroom conversation.
Though the new format is larger and brighter, this selection is still best read individually or one-on-one because of the intricacy of the panels and the lively language meant for slightly older picture book readers. Also a good gift for historical collections and nostalgic adults.
There's plenty to please fans of Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and Adam Gidwitz: offbeat humor with the ultimate satisfaction of overcoming the impossible, helping humanity, and achieving one's dreams. A popular choice for Christmas or year round.