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Riddle in the Mountain
Three children, transported to 1879, must solve a mystery involving Cornish folklore, magic and the mining-era of the American West before they can return home.
- GenresFantasy
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 26, 2026
Fun 4th grade read aloud for Colorado history
November 27, 2012
Critical Analysis
In Riddle in the Mountain by Daryl Burkhard, three kids want to go back home ,but they need to solve a riddle ,so they are in search of the man to be blamed , he, the one with the key (answer). The characters in the book are influenced/ challenged by the setting in several ways. First, the characters are influenced or challenged by the setting because they are sent back in time to old Boulder to solve a riddle. “ He stepped forward and pointed a gnarled finger at them ‘Into your minds I sear a riddle, beginning, middle, end, the world is changed from yours to mine.’” (38). This moment was important because the “little man” stepped out of the porch and that’s when they told Kathy she was the one and they were sent off to back in time. Also, another challenge was that the three of them, Kathy, David, and Frank, had to work to get money. This made them more mature. “‘ The Caribou stage has offices there and Annie Brainard could use extra help right now - serving guests and cleaning rooms.’” “‘ You might help out at a stable, There’s one across the street from the Brainard, but if you want to cover more territory the Stone Farm would be best.’” (71). This was a big influencer because it changes the character’s responsibilities and freedom. For example when Kathy would get back home to her brother and friend she would be exhausted from working at the hotel. Last, the characters are challenged by the going on stagecoaches to different places with strangers , just to find “the Nose.” “‘How far to Nederland?’ she asked , ‘ Good part of a day’ Joe replied . ‘Faster you're on a stagecoach.’” (125). This influences them because they have to trust in the strangers. They have to be responsible because they are on their own. They have to mature and take leadership because they have no one to care for them. To sum up, three kids want to go back home, but they have to solve the riddle they are given, so they are in search of the man with the key. This is how I know that the character’s from Riddle in the Mountain are challenged/ influenced by the setting of the book in several ways.
In Riddle in the Mountain by Daryl Burkhard, three kids want to go back home ,but they need to solve a riddle ,so they are in search of the man to be blamed , he, the one with the key (answer). The characters in the book are influenced/ challenged by the setting in several ways. First, the characters are influenced or challenged by the setting because they are sent back in time to old Boulder to solve a riddle. “ He stepped forward and pointed a gnarled finger at them ‘Into your minds I sear a riddle, beginning, middle, end, the world is changed from yours to mine.’” (38). This moment was important because the “little man” stepped out of the porch and that’s when they told Kathy she was the one and they were sent off to back in time. Also, another challenge was that the three of them, Kathy, David, and Frank, had to work to get money. This made them more mature. “‘ The Caribou stage has offices there and Annie Brainard could use extra help right now - serving guests and cleaning rooms.’” “‘ You might help out at a stable, There’s one across the street from the Brainard, but if you want to cover more territory the Stone Farm would be best.’” (71). This was a big influencer because it changes the character’s responsibilities and freedom. For example when Kathy would get back home to her brother and friend she would be exhausted from working at the hotel. Last, the characters are challenged by the going on stagecoaches to different places with strangers , just to find “the Nose.” “‘How far to Nederland?’ she asked , ‘ Good part of a day’ Joe replied . ‘Faster you're on a stagecoach.’” (125). This influences them because they have to trust in the strangers. They have to be responsible because they are on their own. They have to mature and take leadership because they have no one to care for them. To sum up, three kids want to go back home, but they have to solve the riddle they are given, so they are in search of the man with the key. This is how I know that the character’s from Riddle in the Mountain are challenged/ influenced by the setting of the book in several ways.
November 28, 2012
Connection to me American frontier book
All though Darly Burkhard “Riddle in the Mountain” is set in a very different time and place, I can make several connections in the book.First of all, (main character ) kathy’s brother thinks he's the boss: “‘Knock off; david said. ‘ Let’s go”’ (page:35). My connection is when my I’m watching television, my brother makes me get off so he can play video games. Next, Kathy is afraid of the dark, a connection In a book I read called Naya Nuki its about a girl who is getting hunted by warriors. She has to sleep in the dark with little creatures. Last, kathy, david and frank have to solve a riddle to get get back home(page:49). I have a riddle for you “ What goes on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and at three legs at the evening.” To sum up, there always connection to book you read.
All though Darly Burkhard “Riddle in the Mountain” is set in a very different time and place, I can make several connections in the book.First of all, (main character ) kathy’s brother thinks he's the boss: “‘Knock off; david said. ‘ Let’s go”’ (page:35). My connection is when my I’m watching television, my brother makes me get off so he can play video games. Next, Kathy is afraid of the dark, a connection In a book I read called Naya Nuki its about a girl who is getting hunted by warriors. She has to sleep in the dark with little creatures. Last, kathy, david and frank have to solve a riddle to get get back home(page:49). I have a riddle for you “ What goes on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and at three legs at the evening.” To sum up, there always connection to book you read.
October 10, 2016
I enjoyed the book but was upset that despite clearly researching a lot of aspects for historical accuracy she made Cornish women and women in general to be bad omens that were not welcome around the mines. Nothing could be further from the truth, women and young girls worked as Bal maidens, a very tough job and played a huge part in Mining history. Had this been a little known fact I would understand but you only have to search Cornish mines and you will find Bal maidens mentioned. The Cornish are very proud of their mining heritage and the part both women and men played in it. Cornwall is my home, the only place I have ever want to be, and it really annoys me that this aspect was not better researched. Hence 3 stars. Rant over.
September 12, 2011
I was interested about the time period the book goes into the old west. I was suprised at how she accuatly described the lifestyle of people back then. I felt intrigued by the old west feel of the book and that time period that it was in.
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October 23, 2018Read our review of this middle grade adventure at the Reading Tub.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews