Copyright Date:
1963
Edition Date:
1988
Illustrator:
Von Schmidt, Eric,
Pages:
193 p.
Availability:
Available
ISBN:
Publisher: 0-316-28612-5 Perma-Bound: 0-8479-1283-3
ISBN 13:
Publisher: 978-0-316-28612-1 Perma-Bound: 978-0-8479-1283-4
Dewey:
Fic
LCCN:
63013459
Dimensions:
19 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
ALA Booklist
Listening to this multicast rendition makes one feel as if Fleischman's story is being told round the campfire. The plot, which concerns young Jack Flagg and his butler Praiseworthy's quest for gold during the California gold rush, stretches into tall-tale territory. Reader Willard E. Lape Jr. is the book's narrator, and his gravelly tones heighten the effect, as do cozy musical interludes. The exuberance of Jack Flagg (performed by Dan Poorman) is infectious, and unflappable butler Praiseworthy (read by David Baker) is a perfectly realized chap. Even the villains are likable! The actors clearly enjoyed performing this tale, and listeners reap the benefits.
Publishers Weekly
Two tales of trickery and exaggeration by the Newbery Medalist feature adventures in the Old West and during the California Gold Rush. Ages 8-12. (April)
School Library Journal
Gr 4-7-Listeners are in for a treat with this satisfying reading of Sid Fleischman's novel (Little, 1963). Brimming with riveting adventure, the story is set during the Gold Rush. The fast-moving plot follows the high spirited young Jack and his aunt's faithful butler, Praiseworthy, as they set out to strike it rich in order to support the financially strapped and beloved Aunt Arabella. As Jack and the loyal butler travel by sea and land, the pair meet a series of memorable characters such as the daring, crusty sea Captain Swain and the diabolical Cut-Eye Higgins. The individual personalities of the characters are reflected through the expressive voices rendered by the large cast of 24 readers. Jack and Praiseworthy are the most well-rounded characters. While some of the readers use more expression than others, Willard E. Lape, Jr.'s strong narration is crisp and well-paced. Bouncy folk-style music, appropriate to the historical setting, separates each chapter. This entertaining production is a worthy purchase for libraries with large children's audio collections.-Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Word Count:
38,805
Reading Level:
5.1
Interest Level:
4-7
Accelerated Reader:
reading level: 5.1
/ points: 6.0
/ quiz: 10759
/ grade: Middle Grades
Reading Counts!:
reading level:6.2 /
points:8.0 /
quiz:Q01700
Lexile:
730L
Guided Reading Level:
V
Fountas & Pinnell:
V
For fans of the I Survived series--a rollicking adventure from the California Gold Rush!
When Jack's aunt is forced to sell her beloved mansion but is still unable to raise enough money to pay her debts, the twelve-year-old goes to California in search of gold to help her. Joined by his trusty butler, Praiseworthy, Jack finds adventure and trouble at every turn. Will Jack strike gold in San Francisco or come home empty-handed?
This new edition features illustrations by Brett Helquist.
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