The year is 1849, and 12-year-old Penelope Tucker loves her life in Independence, Missouri. She HATES the idea of heading West with her family to seek the promise of riches in the California gold fields. But despite Penelope's protests, her family joins a wagon train on the Oregon-California trail.

After a long and difficult journey, the Tuckers reach San Francisco and start a new life. Can Penelope—and the rest of her family—ever be happy there? Ages 9–12. Rigby, 2002; 108 pages; paperback; ISBN 0-7578-2034-4.

Tuckers' Gold on CD brings the story and characters to life!

To order the book and/or its companion CD* version (ISBN 0-7578-2050-6), please call 1-800-531-5015, fax 1-800-699-9459, or email the publisher directly.

Note: The publisher also offers this title as part of their Grade 5 Rigby Literacy program.

*2 CDs; total playing time 134:57

Excerpt from Chapter 5: "Penelope's Travel Diary"

June 4, 1849

We had a frightening day. We pushed on for a while during a heavy downpour even though Mr. Jackson had advised us to stop. He said it was too dangerous, but no one would listen. Everyone wants to get to California, and even the idea of a few hours' delay makes people crazy.

Uncle James was walking alongside the wagon. He reached out with a stick to urge on a slow ox. Somehow, he lost his balance and slipped in the mud. He slid under the wagon, and one of the wagon wheels ran over his legs!

Sam saw what happened and stopped our team. Ma took off on one of our horses and found Mr. Jackson. He ordered the wagon train to stop for the day, then he helped us. He wouldn't let us move Uncle James until he'd wrapped up his legs.

Mr. Jackson said that Uncle James was lucky. The muddy trail had saved him from two broken legs. The wagon wheel pressed Uncle James's legs deep into the mud—he is badly bruised, but he'll be fine.

Excerpt © 2002 Rigby.

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