(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Wendell Minor. This is a well-researched account of Jack London's 1897–98 adventures during the Klondike Gold Rush, after which he returned to California with little gold but a wealth of writing material. In notes, Lourie admits he's "taken a few liberties" in crafting the compelling wildnerness narrative, which is enhanced by archival photographs and Minor's evocative illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 The authors relate the story of the Canadian gold rush using letters, telegrams, and diary entries from two gold seekers (coauthor Richardson is the great-great-nephew of one of the subjects) who spent a fortune and a lot of time for very little result. The chaotic design features black-and-white archival reproductions of newspaper articles and photographs. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) YA Secret Journeys of Jack London series. Illustrated by Greg Ruth. Seventeen-year-old Jack London heads to the Yukon Territory in search of riches and adventure. He encounters friends, foes, and supernatural forces that complicate his journey, all the while battling nature, humankind, and self to return home a new man. It's not deep, but adventure seekers will enjoy the tale's frozen North action. Occasional full-page black-and-white illustrations help set the scenes.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(2) YA In this graphic novel, a search for gold leads to devastation for one family and potential salvation for its descendants. Intriguing linked tales alternate focus between Josey, who lives on a farm in Nova Scotia in 1859, and Tara, who inhabits the same land in 2009. Larson flips gracefully back and forth between time periods, embellishing her realistic black-and-white cartoons with mystical touches.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2010