The Runaway's Gold - Hardcover

Years ago, Emilie Christie Burack discovered a set of brittle cassette tapes in a shoe box at the back of her father’s closet on which her late grandfather had recorded his family’s history. When she learned her ancestor had come from the islands “where they had little ponies with long hair,” she had to know more. She has traveled to the Shetland Islands and spent the last four years researching its history and unique Norse-Scots culture. She now resides in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. This is her first book.

Gr 4–7—Christopher Robertson and his family live on the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, where they eke out a living as fishermen for the wealthy man who owns their house and patch of land. They are constantly under threat of eviction and starvation, with little hope for a better life. Christopher's older brother steals their abusive father's stash of coins and deserts the family. Christopher goes after him, pursued himself by one of his father's cronies, and many adventures ensue. There's smuggling, a beautiful and helpful girl, an arrest and escape from jail, and perhaps hidden treasure. Christopher eventually flees to America and discovers that it has its own dangers. Burack's extensive research shines through in the depiction of the Shetlands and New York, giving this work of fiction a solid sense of historical accuracy. The book begins almost at the end of the story, but as the narrative circle nears completion, ample room is left for a sequel. The story showcases the author's talent for description and pacing; however, the use of period British terms tends to interrupt the flow at times, though a glossary is included at the back, along with some historical information and a bibliography. The cover art belies the age and reading level of the target audience. VERDICT The challenging language may make it difficult for some students to invest in this title, but those who do will be well rewarded.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC