Goldtown Beginnings Series – A Kregel Publications Review

During our nighttime reading, my daughter, son and I have been reading Jem Strikes Gold and Jem’s Frog Fiasco. These are the first two books in the Goldtown Beginnings Series published by Kregel Publications.

Even my older daughter has gotten involved to get in that extra chapter for my younger daughter. She has been enjoying reading them as well.

What is Kregel Publications

Kregel Publications, started in 1949, with over 1,000 titled in their repertoire. Some of those topics include contemporary issues, Christina living, and biblical studies.

Their mission as a Christian publisher is to “develop and distribute” biblically-based resources” that lead readers to “know and serve Jesus Christ.”

Susan Marlow has a degree in elementary education and has taught in Christan Schools before homeschooling her own family. Now, as an author, Susan Marlow has two new books from Kregel Publications called the Goldtown Beginnings Series. Great for beginning readers aged 6-9, these books are a perfect series for young readers, boys and girls alike. And if your kids love history, this is a great choice.

Goldtown Beginning Series

Jem Strikes Gold is the first Goldtown Beginnings book. In this book, your young reader is introduced to Jem and his sister Ellie as they try to help their Pa and Mama make ends meet. Pa is planning for gold and Mama is making pies to sell to the townspeople. Jem has some issues with the town bully and finds a way to deal with them with a new puppy. Vocabulary words are introduced as well as historical events.

Jem’s Frog Fiasco is the second book in the series and introduces young readers to new vocabulary words to your young reader. In this book, Jem is eager to keep his puppy and pay for his dog food. Getting a job at the town Cafe, Jem begins some interesting adventures. Soon, his little sister goes missing. Jem deals with guilt as he worries they will never find his sister.

What We Thought

Overall we really liked the series. My 6 year old daughter and 10 year old son both very much enjoyed the books. They liked Jem and Ellie, the characters, and enjoyed the stories.

My son’s interest in history was satisfied with the historical facts about the Gold Rush and enjoyed learning about how some families lived. My daughter enjoyed learning about what the little sister did and how mama worked to help the family.

Be sure to look at the Goldtown Beginnings series link. Check out Kregal Books on Social media: