Heroes of Gold Country

Nine-year-old Anna Claire Freiler moves with her family from Minnesota to Gold Country; Montana Territory, where her father becomes a miner during the big Gold Rush in the 1860’s. Anna Claire meets Tommy Copper, a ten-year-old boy who lives on top of a saloon in town. Tommy tells Anna Claire a story of an old man who buried treasure in the mountains. Finding this fascinating, Anna Claire accompanies him on a journey up the mountain to find the gold they so desperately seek.                                                                                      Unfortunately, instead of gold, they find a skeleton. Anna Claire gets into big trouble for running away, as this is the second time she has run away from their home. Anna Claire is the feistiest of her siblings, and this often gets her into hilarious squabbles with her family members. Anna Claire, full of bravado, feels like no one really understands her except Tommy. Although Tommy cares about Anna Claire deeply, he also misleads her into some dangerous activities such as drinking liquor, finding road agents, and climbing mountains, much to Anna Claire’s parents’ dismay!                                                                                                                                                                   Anna Claire and Tommy have many adventures, including befriending a Native American tribe that is dwelling close to the Freiler’s cabin, standing up for their new Black friend, and plotting revenge against the dangerous and murderous road agents.  Soon, the road agents begin to kill the settlers who leave with gold, making both staying and moving unsafe. The Freiler parents must decide whether or not they want to continue to make a life in Gold Country, or pack their wagon and head onwards. Although life in Montana Territory is often filled with trials and tribulations, the family finds comfort and hope among each other and their friends. Representing the many pioneers who sought a better life for themselves out west, the family sticks together, learns new lessons, and grows for the better among the beautiful mountains and valleys of Gold Country, Montana Territory.