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bargainsleuth's review against another edition
1.0
This is the second of the newer Dear America books that I've read and disliked. The original books were much better because they gave the reader a glimpse of what life was like during a specific time period, entries weren't long, and the writer was believable as a child. These new books have really long diary entries making it read as a novel. The author didn't write the way a child wrote, at best this came off as more YA than a children's book. There are so many subplots, it is hard to keep track of them all.
I guess this book was supposed to teach kids what life was like in a gold mining town in 1880, but it really didn't, except to spend a lot of time talking about gambling and brothels, not exactly something I expect to find in a children's book. I wouldn't want to have that conversation with a 9-year old. Again, maybe for a YA book. And then there's the ghost that appears in the story and is seen by no less than 4 people. An explanation is never given. I didn't think it fit in a children's historical fiction, where the reader is supposed to be reading about history. It would, however, fit in a YA book.
So, really, this book is written for an older audience, who might not want to read it because the rest of the Dear America books are aimed at the 8-12 year old range and are found in the children's section.
I guess this book was supposed to teach kids what life was like in a gold mining town in 1880, but it really didn't, except to spend a lot of time talking about gambling and brothels, not exactly something I expect to find in a children's book. I wouldn't want to have that conversation with a 9-year old. Again, maybe for a YA book. And then there's the ghost that appears in the story and is seen by no less than 4 people. An explanation is never given. I didn't think it fit in a children's historical fiction, where the reader is supposed to be reading about history. It would, however, fit in a YA book.
So, really, this book is written for an older audience, who might not want to read it because the rest of the Dear America books are aimed at the 8-12 year old range and are found in the children's section.
steph01924's review against another edition
3.0
This was a decent addition to the Dear America series. Angeline was a fun character to read about and the plot had some interesting elements. There were a few things that kind of confused me (like the supernatural elements coming out of nowhere. It just kind of took me out of the story because I did NOT expect that) and I wish some storylines were expanded upon a bit more.
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
I still love Dear America books as much as I did when I was a kid! This Gold Rush diary was a lot of fun and an interesting mystery. I enjoyed it!
amfwc's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I agree with those who say this is a strange book, especially compared to other installments in the Dear America series. Its Wild West setting—which includes brothels, gunfights, gangs, corruption, murder, ghosts, etc.—might be a little much for younger readers. Personally, I enjoyed the setting as well as the story's emphasis on the masks worn by different people, masks that sometimes hide people's greed, guilt, prejudice, and fear. The characters were interesting enough. As for the plot, though, I felt like it was trying to cover way too much ground. It was a bit here, there, and everywhere, with some elements that were just downright strange. So, while the story was engaging enough that I listened to the whole thing, overall, I thought it was odd, disjointed, and depressing. I wouldn't recommend this one to a young reader. For me, it was an okay read, nothing more. If I could, I would give the book 2 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
hwhite196's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mercipourleslivres's review against another edition
1.0
The new Dear America books are so awful. x.x
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Good California Historical fiction! Lovers of the Dear America series will enjoy this latest entry, as well those who enjoy Gold Rush era historical fiction. Angie refuses to believe that her father is dead, enven though the town holds a funeral for him. Together, she and her new friends Ellie and Ling Loi work on solving that mystery, as well as protecting their town from a gang of vigilantes who step in too far when the corrupt sheriff won't. Everyone wears some kind of mask -- how can you learn what is behind it?