The Bite of the Gold Bug: A Story of the Alaskan Gold Rush

This book is an example of the best kind of fiction for children, it is based on history and could have even happened to someone. Bucky is a boy in his early teen years and his uncle Tanner is just back from the gold fields in Alaska. The gold rush is on and while Tanner owns a claim that is producing, he gambled away all his money. Therefore, he is back visiting and trying to convince his brother, Bucky's father to join him in Alaska during the next season. Bucky's father has been trying to save money to purchase his own hardware store, but at his current rate, it will take years until he has the money. Therefore, Bucky, Tanner and his father outfit themselves and set out for the gold fields. The trip is hard, they must pack a years worth of supplies over a mountain in bitter cold. While Bucky struggles, he pulls his own weight and they eventually arrive at the claim. Once there, they begin working the muck, extracting the gold and saving it. Once they have enough, Tanner goes into town, where he follows his nature and gets in a card game. Bucky and his father get there before Tanner loses their money as well and they immediately depart for their home in Washington State with enough money to buy a store. This book accurately describes the gold fever and the harsh conditions in the Alaskan gold fields. The temperatures and work were brutal and only the resourceful and cautious survived. Many people went bust and there were always unscrupulous people willing to prey on the innocent. It is an excellent adventure for young people, Bucky is a character that they can relate to.