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By the Great Horn Spoon Literature Unit

By the Great Horn Spoon Literature Unit

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By the Great Horn Spoon By Sid Fleischman Twelve year old Jack, who lost both parents to cholera, lives with his young, beautiful Aunt Arabella, two sisters, and faithful butler Praiseworthy, in a big house on the east coast. As the family falls upon hard times in 1849, Jack learns the inheritance is nearly gone, and the house, with all of its memories, may have to be sold! Determined to help his aunt, Jack and Praiseworthy set out to California in hopes of striking it rich in the gold rush they’ve heard so much about. However, when a run-in with a thief leaves them penniless, they are left with no choice but to stow away in potato barrels in order to make the long, dangerous trip from Boston harbor to California. It is here that their numerous adventures begin that will change their lives forever. The cast of colorful characters they meet on their journey includes a risk-taking, ambitious captain, a judge with a mysterious scar, a horse doctor with a map to the gold, a band of road agents, and some kind-hearted miners who show them the ropes. Jack and Praiseworthy find themselves up against many obstacles, but manage to persevere by relying on wit, intelligence, creativity, and each other. Not only do they learn to be real gold miners, but they also learn what it means to be family. With its odd array of problems and clever solutions by memorable characters, By the Great Horn Spoon! is a fun, highly entertaining historical fiction story about the nature of true friendship. Click here to request the Table of Contents for By the Great Horn Spoon Literature Unit

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