How much do you know the 1800s in America--well, San Francisco and the Barbary Coast? We all learn about the gold rush and know it is a bit of the Wild West at this time, but what was life really like? Today we are sharing a historical fiction middle grades novel that shares a bit of insight. It is The Barbary Chronicles: The Lost Prince by Bobbi Miller. It is recommended for ages 9 to 12.
Publisher's Summary:
The game is on!No one plays the game like Jack London. Only eleven years old, she can pickpocket and flummox any unsuspecting rube who wanders into the muck of the Barbary Coast.
All Jack's skills are tested when one of her own falls ill and she pinches a gold pocketwatch to pay for a doctor. The watch belongs to the richest man in San Francisco, and it plunges Jack into a whole world of trouble. She soon finds herself on the run from rival gangs, corrupt coppers, and the ruthless, self-proclaimed King of the Barbary Coast.
Jack may be little, but she's clever and bold. With the help of a devoted stray dog, a kidnapped prince, and the scummiest ex-best friend ever, she'll do everything she can to save her found family.
From Me:
The book has the map above between the title pages and the Cast of Characters before the story begins. Without reviewing what the book was about I began reading it and recognized a few names like the Hearsts. After all, I have visited Hearst Castle years ago and know about Hearst magazines. You may recognize some of the other names as well as some are taken from real historical figures. The book first reminded me a bit of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone Series. As I kept reading, however, it became obvious this was a work of historical fiction and not fantasy. The similarities were strong, young characters who were poor and fighting for life. There is much thievery and violence in both as well.
This book is action packed and sheds light on a piece of history often overlooked. It shares about how poor people and especially poor children were treated in parts of the United States during the 1800s. The characters are well developed and interesting. Each has his or her own back story, strengths and personality. The story is full of action, drama, and heart. It shows the strength of the young and of working together. It is creative and fun and will have readers wanting to know what happens next to Jack London. Jack for all of her faults truly cares about others. She cares about her found family and also tries to help the underdog. In fact, that is how she ends up with her dog, Alaska, and saving William. It is eye-opening to how some lived in a time where we are now shown the mansions of the wealthy only. I have been to the Hearst Castle as well as many of the Newport Mansions. As beautiful as they all are, my thought always goes to what a waste of money when there were others starving and barely surviving. Therefore, I guess this book is sharing with me those who I worry about when visiting the grandeur of the wealthy from this time. It sheds light on how tough it actually was and how dangerous.
This book is perfect for the middle grade reader who loves historical fiction, action packed books, heroes and heroines and just wants to read something different than before. It also is a great book to read as a class and discuss some of the history. At the end of the book is information about children in the 1800s, the Barbary Coast, and the real-life people whose names were used. The book held my attention and interest and made me keep wanting to read. I think most middle grade readers will feel the same. They will be rooting for the underdogs even if they are breaking the laws.
