Sarah's Search For Treasure by Bertha Schwartz

Sarah’s Search for Treasure takes place during the Gold Rush of 1849. But instead of searching for gold, like Sarah’s Papa and brother David, Sarah is stuck at home to help take care of the family and farm. This turns out to be a huge task, first as neighbors leave their livestock with them while they join the hunt for gold, then later as half-starved miners are ready to steal everything in sight. Fifteen-year-old Sarah decides to take a potentially dangerous situation and turn it into a business, by feeding the miners in exchange for gold or work. But unexpected problems keep arising.Sarah’s search for treasure suddenly takes a new meaning as hungry miners are more interested in eating than working. Mama is busy with a fussy new-born baby, leaving Sarah with decisions, fighting miners, and horse thieves. In the midst of all this, Minnie, the pet donkey, returns with saddle bags full of gold and a Bible with a girl’s name inside. Had a girl stolen their donkey? Where did the gold come from? -Ages 8 and up. 144 pages