What was life like for 13 year old Pearley Monroe, growing up in the rugged hills of Coloma, California where gold was first discovered? An explosion at a mine, surviving a bear encounter, and plotting to catch a jewel thief are just a few of Pearley’s many adventures. In each chapter, you’ll learn more about interesting and historical characters such as James Marshall, Black Bart, and Pearley’s grandmother, Miss Nancy, who had more grit than all of them put together.
Pearley learns first hand that some of life’s lessons require more of us than we thought possible and that sometimes our greatest treasures are right under our own roof. Based on historical documents and first person accounts this story helps bring to life some of California’s first pioneers, the Monroe-Gooch family. A family who exemplified perseverance despite adversity, in the way they lived their lives and the legacy they left behind.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTSmQsk-TpI[/youtube]Endorsements
“I went up to Coloma today after school to find that elusive pioneer cemetery. I don’t know why, but I’ve not been able to find it! I have clearly driven past it. We searched the markers and found the family plot for the Monroe-Gooch family. There was something about standing there and seeing Miss Nancy’s grave, and then Grant’s and then Pearley’s. To read the names of the family on the large marker . . . I don’t know, it was something so real since reading of them in your book.”
- Michael La Marr 4th grade teacher ~ Ca
“The Adventures of Pearly Monroe is very good book. I like it because, it teaches you a lot about the Monroe Family. The book also has some humor in it. I like the end of chapters because they leave you hanging most of the time and are very suspenseful.
- Noah – 4th grade student
I love The Adventures of Pearley Monroe! What I like best of all is the structure of the chapters. At the end of every chapter the author leaves you on the edge of your seat, wanting to rush into the next chapter. I also get caught up in all of the excitement going on, such as the story of Lefty Miller looking for his right arm. Last of all, I love the time period this story is taking place in. Life in Coloma sounded exciting after the Gold Rush. I can’t wait to finish the book.
- Lydia – 4th grade student
The Adventures of Pearly Monroe is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I would give this book 999,999,999 stars In the best books you can feel the characters emotion; I can do that with this book.
- Clara- 4th grade student
About the Author
Marci Seither grew up near the Pony Express Route and has always loved history. She and her husband, John, have six awesome kids, who have provided her with volumes of great material, symphonies of laughter and loads of laundry. She has written hundreds of articles. After six years of research and writing she is excited to share this story with others. Daily, people still visit the Monroe house in Coloma, California and watch the docent blacksmith pound red hot iron on the anvil in the blacksmith shop that Pearley built.