THE BALLOON BOY OF SAN FRANCISCO

For starters, the plucky redhead stows away on a riverboat, searches for a lost miner, meets the glamorous Lola Montez, and flies in a runaway balloon. Based on real people and events, the fictionalized story immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.

“With its colorful details, this book brings Gold Rush history to life, touching on dangers such as sinking ships, burning buildings and kidnappings, and lively characters such as stowaway newsboys, questionable fortune-tellers, traveling picture-takers and, of course, all kinds of gold-seekers.”—The Washington Post

“Smart, lively writing and colorful dialogue.”—The Sacramento Bee

“Historian and novelist Dorothy Leland weaves a story based on solid research…All ages will enjoy following the adventures of this amazing ‘balloon boy.'”—Gary F. Kurutz, Director of Special Collections, California State Library

“A delightful read for children and adults alike….Ms. Leland combines solid research on San Francisco’s Gold Rush era with the charming story of Ready Gates and his new life in this city to which he and his family have come to seek their fortune.”—Charles A. Fracchia, President, San Francisco Museum and Historical Society

“Colorful and accurate details bring to life California’s fascinating gold-rush era in this captivating tale of a hardworking newspaper boy’s excellent adventure.”—JoAnn Levy, Author, They Saw the Elephant: Women in the California Gold Rush

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