John Sutter and the California Gold Rush

Graphic Library: Graphic History

by Matt Doeden, Ron Frenz (Illustrator), Charles Barnett III (Illustrator)

In this action-packed graphic novel, witness the discovery of gold at John Sutter's mill in 1848. Eye-popping, comic book-style artwork and easy-to-read, nonfiction text offer an appealing, accessible alternative for struggling and reluctant readers or any graphic novel fan. An additional information section provides key facts and further understanding, making this book a must-have in any home, classroom, or library.

Genres: History, Childrens, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction

32 pages, Library Binding

Published September 1, 2005

About the author

Matt Doeden was born in southern Minnesota and lived parts of his childhood in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and Madison, Minnesota. He studied journalism at Mankato State University, where he worked at the college newspaper for three years. In his senior year, he served as the paper's Sports Editor, which put him in charge of the entire sports section, the sports writers, and the photographers. He covered mostly college sports, but also the Minnesota Vikings, who held training camp at MSU.

His work allowed him to meet and interview people like Dennis Green, Cris Carter, Robert Smith, and more. Matt went on to work as a sports writer for the Mankato paper, and then he got a job as an editor with a small children's publisher called Capstone Press, and in 2003 he decided to start his own business as a freelance writer and editor.

Since then, Matt has written and edited hundreds of books. Lots of them are on high-interest topics like cars, sports, and airplanes. He also writes and edits on geography, science, and even math.

Reviews

[Barry Bard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book entitled John Sutter and the California Gold Rush by Matt Doeden displays detailed pictures accompanied by speech balloons which present a comic book theme. However, the book is packed with details and facts about the 1849 California Gold Rush. It discusses the discovery at the mill, the spread of the golden news, the arrival of the miners and their way of life. In addition, it shares the plight of John Sutter and how the gold rush impacted him. A great resource to present the foundational realities of the gold rush through the use of illustration with a simple story line. Students will gravitate to the comic book theme while building a solid foundation necessary for a strong launch to a California Gold Rush unit.

[Jared Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Social Science Teacher I am so thankful for the visual stimulation that these graphic novels provide! Students who are interested in comics (which includes most kids today) will benefit greatly from a work that combines both great artwork and historical facts.

[Eduardo Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Sutter and the California Gold Rush combines engaging comic book illustrations with rich historical details, making it an excellent resource that draws kids in and builds their understanding of the Gold Rush.