BY THE GREAT HORN SPOON!

BY THE GREAT HORN SPOON! by Sid Fleischman

This is one of those "oldies but goodies" that has been around a while that is so worth your time if you have a kiddo that has a streak of adventure right through the middle of them!

By the Great Horn Spoon is historical fiction. It's the fun story of two unlikely partners taking off searching for gold during the days of the gold rush. How unlikely are these partners? One is a proper butler named Praiseworthy; the other is his young, twelve-year-old master, Jack. Their mission is an honorable one. Jack's Aunt Arabella is about to lose her home, so the pair set off searching for valuable paydirt.

Leaving proper Boston to travel to California, the pair choose to go by boat instead of across the country. The long voyage is fraught with danger, thieves, unexpected work and adventures, but they do eventually reach the goldfields. It is here that their adventures quadruple, but that's something you'll have to discover for yourself!

On top of all the adventure, Praiseworthy is an honorable mentor for his young master. His upbeat attitude, ability to face challenges, and commitment to keeping an honest name is refreshing.

ALONGSIDE ACTIVITIES - This book has so many wonderful possibilities! First off, Callie and I mapped the different locations as they traveled: Boston, Rio de Janiero, Strait of Magellan, Andes Mountains, Golden Gate, and more. We looked up pictures of the different tools used in the mining process. We branched out into discussions about supply and demand and how it affects prices.