Goldtown Beginnings Series (A REVIEW)

We had the opportunity to check out a new book series for kids, Goldtown Beginnings Series by Kregel Publications, and written by Susan K. Marlow. We received copies of books 1 & 2, Jem Strikes Gold, and Jem's Frog Fiasco. These chapter books are a quick easy read, and a fun way to learn a little about the Gold rush era through the adventures of two kids who lived in a real camp full of prospectors. Including their parents.

We received two physical books both of which are fairly short (about 80 pages, each). They feature colorful covers with a picture that relates to the story, and draws the reader in. There are a few black and white pictures throughout the story as well. These books can be a fairly quick read for an older child. We took a little longer getting through them as I decided we'd use the reading schedule and lapbook activities to go along with them so we could study a little more about the Gold rush era.

Book 1: Jem Strikes Gold

The first book Jem Strikes Gold is an introduction to life in a gold mining camp for the brother and sister pair, Jem and Ellie. Jem is the older brother, and he and his sister not only like to mine for gold themselves, but they help Mama to sell pies to the other miners in Goldtown. This helps them earn more money (in gold flakes) for their family, and the miners have a sweet treat to look forward to. They run into some problems with another kid who is a bully. He threatens to eat their pies, and gives them a lot of problems until they find another "helper" that protects them. They have many adventures along the way.

Book 2: Jem's Frog Fiasco

We didn't get to reading the second book, Jem's Frog Fiasco, yet, but it continues the story of Jem and Ellie's adventures in their life in a gold mining town. This time Jem is trying to earn money to help pay for dog food. As part of his job he gets to catch bullfrogs for the cafe owner. When Ellie gets in the way, he gets upset and she runs away. No one knows where she went, and Jem needs to find her before it's too late. This book looks like a fun continuation of the Goldtown beginnings series.

As I was reading these books with my 3rd grader, I thought this would be a great start to a gold rush unit study. There are some great learning activities available at the Susan K. Marlow author website. There are many printables available including coloring pages, activity pages, a reading schedule, and even a lapbook. Most of these are free, but the lapbook I had to purchase. I decided to purchase the lapbook because it had some great activities to go along with things that happened in the book, but the activity and coloring pages provide plenty of extra fun too.

Lapbook cover for Jem Strikes Gold

With everything printed up we followed the reading schedule, and completed things as they were suggested. I really like the coloring pages.

The first book with some of the printables that go along with it.

These books are a great addition to a child's library, and make for a fun quick read. Give them a try if you're looking for something new for your kiddo to read!

If you'd like to see what other crew members had to say about these books you can click on the image below.