Book Guide

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.

From the publisher

To view an example page please sign in.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Sid  Fleischman

Sid Fleischman

1920 - 2010
American
The Newbery-winning author of The Whipping Boy was surprised that he grew up to be a writer. "I had a childhood much like everyone else's. What went... See more
Eric von Schmidt

Eric von Schmidt

See more

Please sign in for audiobook information.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

To view reprints of this book please sign in.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Content Guide

Please sign in to access all of the topics associated with this book and view other books with the same topics.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Please sign in to access the locations this book takes place in and view other books in the same location.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Please sign in to access the time periods this book takes place in and view other books in the same time period.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

For information about the lead characters please sign in.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Resource Guide

Please sign in to access media associated with this book.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Please sign in to access resources associated with this book.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

By the Great Horn Spoon!
In 1849 after the cries of "Gold!" had echoed across the continent to Boston, ships were crammed with fortune-seekers. Twelve-year-old Jack and Praiseworthy, a butler, were among those heading west...

Read the full review on Kirkus Reviews


Plumfield Moms

By The Great Hornspoon!
Reviewed by Sara Masarik
However, when Tanya described it and focused on the butler, Praiseworthy, I started wondering if it might be similar to Gary D. Schmidt's Pay Attention, Carter Jones. Since By the Great Horn Spoon! was published in 1963 and Carter Jones in 2020, I now wonder if Schmidt was, in fact, influenced by Fleischman.

Read the full review on Plumfield Moms