Walk on Earth a Stranger: Gold Seer Trilogy
#1 in Gold Seer Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (18,869)
What’s inside...
Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes.
Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.
She also has a secret.
Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.
When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey.
The acclaimed Rae Carson begins a sweeping new trilogy set in Gold Rush-era America, about a young woman with a powerful and dangerous gift.
Why read this book
- Engaging historical adventure ignites curiosity.
- Strong female protagonist encourages empowerment.
- Introduces historical context of 1849 Gold Rush.
- Fosters resilience and determination through adversity.
Character compass
Leah Westfall
Mr. Joyner
Becky Joyner
Jefferson
Hiram Westfall
Discussion points
How do you think Leah's ability to sense gold changed her journey and relationships in the story?
What challenges did Leah face and how did she overcome them?
How do the themes of perseverance and resilience show up throughout the book?
In what ways do the characters in the book demonstrate bravery?
How do you think the setting of the story affects the characters and their actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Leah’s character and her unique abilities to sense gold, inviting your child to explore their perceptions.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with challenges to those faced by Leah, emphasizing her resilience and strategies she used to overcome obstacles.
Discuss the broader historical context of the Gold Rush Era, which could lead to a richer understanding of the characters’ motivations and challenges.
Ask your child about moments in the book where they felt a character demonstrated bravery, and what bravery means to them in their own life.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking how they think the story would change if it were set in today’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Leah Westfall, faces numerous challenges and dangers as she embarks on a journey to California during the Gold Rush. Her determination and ability to adapt to changing circumstances exemplify resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain persistent and optimistic even when facing difficulties, understanding that challenges are a part of growth and can be overcome with perseverance.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Leah relies on the support and loyalty of her friends to survive and navigate the hardships of her journey. This highlights the importance of building and maintaining trustful relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of nurturing friendships and being reliable friends themselves, fostering social skills and emotional support networks in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal integrity
Explanation: Leah faces numerous moral dilemmas throughout her journey but consistently strives to make decisions that align with her values, demonstrating integrity even when confronted with easier, less honorable choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of sticking to their principles and making ethical choices, even when faced with peer pressure or tempting shortcuts.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: Set during the Gold Rush, the book provides a historical backdrop that helps readers understand the challenges and societal conditions of the time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate history and its impact on shaping societies, encouraging them to explore further historical events and their significance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and cultural sensitivity
Explanation: Leah encounters people from diverse backgrounds and experiences along her journey, which teaches her to be empathetic and understanding towards others' struggles and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing diversity and practicing empathy in their interactions with people from different cultures and backgrounds.