Gold! Gold from the American River!
January 24, 1848: The Day the Gold Rush Began
by Don Brown
Macmillan 2011
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include westward expansion
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Genre
Themes
- westward expansion
- adventure
- risk-taking
- entrepreneurship
- perseverance
- migration and diversity
- impact on Native peoples
- change and opportunity
About this book
Don Brown traces the spark that set off the California Gold Rush and the tidal wave of dreamers who followed. Through vivid narrative and expressive art, readers see the perilous journeys, rough mining camps, and the boomtown energy of a rapidly changing West. The book highlights not just miners, but also shopkeepers and entrepreneurs who struck it rich in unexpected ways. It’s a lively, accessible history for middle-grade readers who enjoy true adventure and American history.
Setting: California and the American West during the Gold Rush (1848–1855), from Sutter’s Mill to mining camps and boomtown San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold! Gold from the American River! right for my child?
Yes — Gold! Gold from the American River! is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include westward expansion, adventure, risk-taking.
How long does it take to read Gold! Gold from the American River!?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Gold! Gold from the American River! takes around 37m to finish. The book has 6,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gold! Gold from the American River! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gold! Gold from the American River! has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Gold! Gold from the American River!?
Gold! Gold from the American River! has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.