Like a River Glorious: Gold Seer Trilogy
#2 in Gold Seer Trilogy Series
What’s inside...
After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.
Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.
The second epic historical fantasy in the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson, the acclaimed author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
Why read this book
- Engrossing historical fiction with riveting adventures.
- Empowers resilience and perseverance in young readers.
- Supports discussions on ethics and personal values.
- Enhances historical knowledge and cultural awareness.
Character compass
Leah Westfall
Becky Joyner
Jefferson Kingfisher
Hiram Westfall
Discussion points
How do the challenges Lee faces in the story help her grow as a character? Can you think of a time when a challenge helped you grow?
Why do you think the author chose the California Gold Rush as the setting for the story? How does the setting affect the characters and events?
Lee has a unique ability to sense gold. How do you think this ability influences her decisions and relationships in the book?
Friendship and trust play crucial roles in this story. What are some moments where friendship is particularly important? How do you build trust with your friends?
The concept of 'home' is explored in the book. What does 'home' mean to Lee, and what does it mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Take turns sharing your thoughts about the book's themes, characters, and settings, which helps model good listening and communication skills.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the historical elements of the story and the world they live in today.
Discuss the moral decisions made by the characters and ask your child what they would do in similar situations, fostering ethical thinking.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how different characters might have felt during key events in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Leah, demonstrates resilience as she overcomes numerous challenges, including confronting dangerous situations in her quest for gold.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and staying determined even when faced with difficult circumstances or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the book, Leah relies on her friends and learns the importance of trusting others to navigate through her challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining trustful relationships and how collaboration can help overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: The negative ramifications of greed are portrayed through the actions of antagonistic characters who prioritize wealth over human decency.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of valuing people over material possessions and the negative impact that greed can have on oneself and others.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through self-discovery
Explanation: Leah discovers her unique abilities and learns to use them wisely, thereby gaining confidence in her own skills and decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own talents and abilities, and use them responsibly to make positive decisions.
Example Lesson: Historical understanding
Explanation: Set during the Gold Rush era, the story provides historical insights into the period, which helps in understanding the motivations and challenges of the characters.
Real-World Application: Children gain awareness of historical events and contexts, enhancing their ability to understand different perspectives and the impact of history on human behavior.