Gold Rush

Big Cat Read On supports fluent readers to improve their reading skills and nurture a love of reading. Consisting of a wide range of engaging chapter books, the Big Cat Read On series improves reading stamina and comprehension, develops vocabulary, and introduces children to more sophisticated narrative structures and themes.

While mining for gold in the Wild West, Pa is injured in an accident, leaving young Lily to race home for help. Her journey through the treacherous landscape is filled with escalating challenges, all while being chased by the notorious Cactus Kid and his gang.

Ask the author and Book talk questions invite the reader to think more deeply about the themes in the book and reflect on their reading experience. Online lesson plans provide guidance in using this book in a range of settings, including independent, social and whole-class reading – all designed to support the reader to connect with the book and encourage a positive attitude to reading.

I love Westerns but can't ever remember reading one written for kids. From Clint Eastwood to Rango, John Ford to neo-westerns, there's a particular magic to the genre. Westerns transport us to a rugged, untamed world where survival often depends on courage, resourcefulness, and wits. At their core, these stories often present stark moral dilemmas too: good vs. evil, justice vs. lawlessness, or individualism vs. community. Why else did I write it? Because it was fun! I know you're meant to write books for the readers' enjoyment, obviously, but I very much enjoyed playing with the conventions of the genre, while placing a strong, courageous young woman, Lily, at the heart of the action.