Sid Fleischman (1920–2010)

I loved other books by this author, but this was underwhelming. I like that it is a short, fun book for younger readers that won a Newbery, but it did not .maintain my interest. That being said, the illustrations were lovely.

I loved this charming adventure of the California Gold Rush through the eyes of 12 year old Jack and his butler. They travel the ocean, solve puzzles and use their wits, kindness, an intelligence to get through sticky and dangerous situations. A very fun read with lots of lively history.

A Prince and a Pauper . . . Prince Brat and his whipping boy inadvertently trade places after becoming involved with dangerous outlaws. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like each other. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

Orphaned and barefoot, Chancy Dundee sets out to track down his brother and sisters -- and quickly finds himself followed by a mysterious stranger with a hawk's feather in his hat. The big man proves to be the grandest rascal on either side of the Mississippi River -- and Chancy's own long-lost Uncle Will. Joining forces to re-unite the family, they run smack into snorting villains, seat-of-the-pants adventure, and laughter by the barrelful.