Children of the Rush

It's 1861, and gold fever is sweeping the world. Otherwise sensible adults have gone mad and will do anything to get their hands on the precious metal. But two children have been caught up in the rush. Michael and Atarangi couldn't be more different, but they share one thing: each has a remarkable and magical talent. Circumstances conspire to bring the children together in the remote and inhospitable goldfields, and they're thrust into a world where lawlessness, greed, and cruelty reign. When the children find out that a cut-throat gang stalks the goldfields, preying upon the innocent, they have a choice to make: turn a blind eye, or fight back? Gritty, thrilling, and yet beautiful. I loved this, and you will too! Weng Wai Chan, author of Lizard's Tale, winner of the NZ Junior Fiction Award "Rich characters and nail-biting action, with a sprinkling of fantasy. There's gold in this here book!" Tom E. Moffatt, award-winning author of books and jokes for kids

All is well in Gabriel's Gully, the ramshackle gold rush town. But not for long. Michael and Atarangi have become firm friends with Siu, a Chinese miner's daughter who came to the schoolhouse to learn. But when bad news from the coast draws their parents away, things take a shocking turn. Disaster strikes, and sinister faces from the past reappear. Michael, Atarangi, and Siu have little choice but to take action, despite the danger it will put them in. But will their courage, intelligence, and special powers be enough to overcome the evil forces threatening them? "A fantastic, fast-paced adventure for young readers. I absolutely loved it!" Sophie Wilton Children's books, Whitcoulls "Gold, greed, and goodness will spark gripping discussions as you follow the next adventures of Michael, Atarangi and Siu!" NZ Read Aloud

Atarangi, Michael, and Siu have crossed the Southern Alps and settled in Hokitika just as a new gold rush takes a firm grip of the town. There they'd hoped to carve out a new life in peace. But they're about to get the shock of their young lives. When a ship crosses the notorious Hokitika Bar there are some unwelcome visitors aboard, and they come with wicked intentions. The children are totally on their own, powerless against the forces of evil. Or are they? "James has saved the best for last. This book is positively riveting - I was gripped from the first page to the last!" Adele Broadbent whatbooknext.com "Excitement, adventure, action, friendship – a perfect mix of what you look for in a great story!" Rosemary Tisdall Children's literature consultant / Trustee, Storylines Children's Literature Trust