Explores the details of the California gold rush and the efforts of American pioneers to achieve freedom from Mexican rule, covering topics such as the routes people took, the dangers of travel, and panning techniques, with illustrations, a timeline, and statistics.

"In this book, early fluent readers will learn about the causes, main events, key players, and lasting impacts of the California gold rush. Interesting photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn about this important period in American history."

Briefly discusses the events surrounding the nineteenth-century gold rush in California, using first-hand accounts.