Series shows multiculturalism in California's colorful past
Thunder on the Sierra by Kathy Balmes is the story of a Latino boy who leaves the rancho of his childhood to join the Gold Rush. Mateo, an arriero in search of his stolen horse, leads pack mules through Gold Rush camps and lightning storms, and faces risky encounters with crazed miners. When he learns that his father's old rancho may be in danger from Yankee squatters, aided by the new American government, Mateo begins to realize that more may be at stake than the fate of his horse.
This work of historical fiction is pending approval as supplemental material consistent with the California History/Social Science Content Standards for fourth grade. It is the newest addition to the California History Set by Silver Moon Press.
Other books in the series that deal with multicultural issues are American Dreams, the story of a Japanese American girl leaving for an internment camp during World War II, and Golden Quest, the story of an African American boy whose future depends on whether California will be admitted to the United States as a free state or a slave state.
The hardcover books, geared for students in grades 4-6, cost $14.95, and are available from Silver Moon Press, 160 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010; (800) 874-3320.
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This work of historical fiction is pending approval as supplemental material consistent with the California History/Social Science Content Standards for fourth grade. It is the newest addition to the California History Set by Silver Moon Press.
