Malone’s adventurous debut middle-grade historical fantasy takes readers back to the California gold rush, where a fantastical myth is real and in danger of being discovered. Twelve-year-old Ben Coolahan lived a comfortable life in Boston with his aunt, until his father died in an accident in the family mine in California. Ben was sent for by his step-grandmother who now ran the mine, at his father’s request, as the only remaining heir. Upon his arrival, Ben quickly learns he’s now in a much different, much dirtier, much more dangerous world. The medallion and encrypted letter left for him by his father lead to clues he never would’ve expected: the elf-like Tommyknockers aren’t just real, they’re in danger—and Ben is running out of time to save them.Written for middle graders, Malone instead creates a great example of a book for all ages. Both adults and children will be immediately drawn into the well-researched history of the gold rush, never shying away from the hard truths of not only how the miners lived, but of what happened to the land being mined as well. Malone keeps readers drawn in with much mystery and adventure, all seen through the eyes of an engaging, easy-to-cheer-for young protagonist, as Ben learns who he can trust and works with them to solve the equations and codes to uncover the hidden messages from his father.
The fantasy element comes from a real myth told by Cornish miners. Tommyknockers were said to have made knocking sounds in the mines to warn miners of impending danger, but are never seen. In this story, Ben’s father discovers they’re real, and they live inside what’s called a “Mother Lode”—an enormous amount of gold. They must live under this great golden dome underground, and they will die without it. While Ben works to keep the miners away as they inch closer, he also learns the effects human contact has made on the Tommyknockers, which will leave readers reflecting on humanity itself, plus fear and greed.
Takeaway: Phenomenal combination of history and fantasy in the California Gold Rush.
Comparable Titles: Avi’s Gold Rush Girl, B.B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
