Jem Strikes Gold

Written by Susan K. Marlow

Part of the Goldtown Beginnings series

A young boy faces a bully threatening his family's livelihood. Can a scrappy dog be the solution?

4.2 Goodreads · 29 ratings

80 pages· ~590L

$6.50Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Goldtown, young Jem Coulter struggles as his family's livelihood is threatened by a bully's antics. With pies ruined and money scarce, Jem's desperation grows. Enter Strike-It-Rich Sam and his scrappy dog, offering a glimmer of hope. Can Jem convince his parents that this unlikely ally is the key to stopping the bully and saving their family? As tensions rise, Jem must navigate friendship, courage, and the challenge of adding another mouth to feed. Will the brave pup be their salvation, or will Jem's plan backfire?

From the publisher

Seven-year-old Jem Coulter’s family is trying to make a go of it in Goldtown, with Pa panning for gold and Mama baking pies and washing laundry to make ends meet. Jem and his little sister, Ellie, do everything they can to help out. But it’s hard to help when Will Sterling, a rich boy with a mean streak, picks on Jem every time he runs errands for Mama. When Will’s antics end up ruining the pies, Jem’s had enough. No pies means no money for the whole family! How can he get Will to stop? When Strike-It-Rich Sam, Jem’s prospector friend, shows up with a scrawny dog, Jem might have an answer to the bully problem. The brave pup can protect them–if only Jem can convince his parents that another mouth to feed is a good idea . . .

At a glance