Books About Gold Mines

The Best Gold Mines Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Mines and Mining Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about gold mines? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Gold Mines

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1963

By the Great Horn Spoon!

By Sid Fleischman, Brett Helquist (Illustrator)

A boy and his butler seek gold in California to save his family from ruin.

224 pages· 39,276 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,641 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Jack embarks on a daring quest to save his family from financial ruin by striking gold in California. Accompanied by his loyal butler, Praiseworthy, Jack stows away on a ship bound for the Gold Rush. Facing sailors, outlaws, and wild animals, their journey is fraught with danger and excitement. Will Jack's gamble pay off, or will he return home empty-handed? This thrilling adventure captures the spirit of the old west and the relentless pursuit of fortune.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

What Was the Gold Rush?

By Joan Holub, Who HQ, Tim Tomkinson (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The California Gold Rush of 1848-1855 was a significant event in American history that drew thousands of people to the West Coast in search of gold.

112 pages· 8,273 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 793 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1848, the California Gold Rush lured over 300,000 hopefuls from around the globe. Some found fortune, while others faced harsh realities. Dive into the captivating tales of these 'forty-niners' and their relentless pursuit of gold. With vivid illustrations and historical photos, uncover the dreams and challenges that defined an era. What drove these adventurers, and what did they find at the end of their journey?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Message in a Bottle

By Kathryn Reiss, Juliana Kolesova (Illustrator) · American Girl Beforever Mystery series

A hidden message leads to treasure and danger at Gold Moon Ranch.

216 pages· 29,992 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 132 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Julie visits Gold Moon Ranch, where the serene farming life is disrupted by strange incidents. A secret trip to an abandoned gold mine reveals a cryptic message about a lost treasure. As threats loom over the commune, Julie races against time to uncover the treasure's secrets and save the ranch from an unknown menace. Will she succeed before it's too late?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Treasure on Superstition Mountain

By Elise Broach, Antonio Javier Caparo (Illustrator) · Superstition Mountain Mysteries series

A treasure hunt on Superstition Mountain leads to danger and mystery. Who or what is after them?

280 pages· 43,948 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 216 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: The Barker brothers and their friend Delilah return to Superstition Mountain, drawn by the lure of hidden treasure. But as they dig deeper, an avalanche nearly claims their lives. Is someone targeting them, or is the mountain itself exacting revenge? With danger lurking at every turn, they must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Will they uncover the truth, or will the mountain's secrets remain buried forever?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

The Mount Rushmore Calamity

By Jeff Brown, Macky Pamintuan (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures series

A family embarks on a vacation to Mount Rushmore, where they meet a cowgirl and get caught up in a mystery involving a gold mine

96 pages· 4,710 words· Est. 53 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,267 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Flat Stanley, flattened by a bulletin board, embarks on a family trip to Mount Rushmore. Joined by his brother Arthur and a spirited cowgirl, Calamity Jasper, their vacation spirals into a Wild West escapade. As they navigate unexpected challenges, Stanley's unique flatness becomes both a hindrance and a help. Will they escape the tight spots they find themselves in? Discover fascinating facts about Mount Rushmore while joining Stanley on this thrilling adventure. Perfect for young readers eager for multicultural tales and character-driven stories, this journey promises excitement and learning at every turn.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine

By Caroline Starr Rose

Two brothers chase gold in Alaska, facing danger and secrets on their quest.

304 pages· 63,948 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 382 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Jasper and Melvin flee their abusive father, seeking fortune in the Klondike Gold Rush. Jasper stows away on a ship, driven by rumors of a hidden gold mine. As they navigate Alaska's harsh wilderness, they must outwit ruthless rivals and solve cryptic clues. Will they find the treasure or lose everything in the pursuit?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2002

Mystery at Chilkoot Pass

By Barbara A. Steiner · American Girl Mysteries series

A young girl hunts a thief during the Klondike gold rush.

162 pages· 34,446 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 423 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: In 1897, amidst the Klondike gold rush, twelve-year-old Hetty embarks on a thrilling journey through Canada. As an aspiring author, she faces a real-life mystery: uncovering the identity of a cunning thief. With her father, uncle, and friends by her side, Hetty must navigate the treacherous path of suspicion and secrets. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late, or will the thief outsmart them all? Adventure and intrigue await in this historical quest for truth.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung

By Laurence Yep · My Name is America series

A boy journeys to Gold Rush California, seeking fortune and friendship.

219 pages

3.8/5 Goodreads · 493 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1852, young Wong Ming-Chung embarks on a perilous journey from China to California, hoping to join his uncle in the Gold Rush. Amidst danger and lawlessness, he discovers the true treasure lies in the friendships he forms. Can he navigate this hostile new world and find his place in America?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1989

Bearstone

By Will Hobbs

A runaway boy's courage is tested in the mountains as he seeks gold and faces grizzlies.

154 pages

3.6/5 Goodreads · 697 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Cloyd Atcitty, a runaway teen, finds a turquoise bear carving, hoping it brings strength. Sent to work for Walter Landis, a rancher, their conflict nearly ends in disaster. Given one last chance, they venture into the mountains to reopen an old gold mine. Amidst Colorado's last grizzlies, Cloyd's courage and loyalty face the ultimate test. Will he find the strength he seeks, or will the wilderness claim him?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019

Gold Rush!

By Jesse Wiley · Book #7 in the The Oregon Trail series

Choose your path to fortune or peril on the Oregon Trail.

176 pages

3.9/5 Goodreads · 57 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Embark on a daring journey during the Gold Rush, where your choices determine your fate. Will you brave the Oregon Trail or veer toward California's promise of gold? Navigate treacherous paths, face unexpected challenges, and decide if fortune or danger awaits. Your decisions shape the adventure—will you strike it rich or fall into peril?

The Bookroo Book Club