We were recently given the opportunity to review a historical fiction book by Susan Marlow and Kregel Publications, titled Tunnel of Gold. The author, Susan Marlow, has had a passion for writing since she was about 10 years old, obtained a degree in elementary degree and taught in Christian schools before homeschooling her children.
Tunnel of Gold is the second book in the Goldtown Adventures series, which takes you back in time to 1864 during the end of the Gold Rush to follow along the adventures of 12 year old Jem Coulter, his little sister Ellie, and his cousin Nathan. And what adventures they have in a gold mining town....the mine is not producing any more gold, a miner's riot, being trapped in a mine....are just a few examples of those adventures.The Goldtown Adventures books are written for ages 9 - 13. Each book can be purchased for $7.99 + $2.99 for shipping and handling. You can also download a free study guide for each book that includes vocabulary, crosswords, and other activities for comprehension & fun.
Since Tunnel of Gold is the second book in the series, I thought possibly we might be a little lost in the plot without reading the first book, but that isn't the case, each book can be read without the other to follow along.
We took this book to Church Camp with us to read-aloud at bedtime. We have just recently started using chapter books for our read-aloud time, so we have not yet finished the book. Some nights we barely make it through one chapter. Eli is 8 years old and not real interested in reading just yet so it does take some wrestling at times to get him to sit still long enough to get through a chapter or two of any book. Each of the 18 chapters in Tunnel of Gold are only about 7 or 8 pages long, so it is possible to read two or three chapters at a time with a willing listener. You can read a few sample chapters here.
We are very careful about the books, movies, tv that our kids are reading & watching. So I really like the fact that these books have Christian principles throughout. The characters rely on prayer & scripture to learn about compassion, courage, & doing the right thing.
We will be finishing up Tunnel of Gold, hopefully, by this weekend and doing a few of the activities in the study guide. Eli is looking forward to making doughnuts the way they were made in 1864.
We will be adding The Goldtown Adventure books to our home library for future reading.
