James J. Rawls

Jim Rawls has written a great book for teaching about the controversial and sensitive California "Mission Period" with "Never Turn Back: Father Serra's Mission". People have strong feelings about Father Junipero Serra. Some consider him to be the catalyst and villain who caused the beginning of the decimation of California Indian tribes. Others want him to be named a saint. Rawls makes the priest appear sincere, determined, but at times, misguided. Rawls describes the arduous journey Serra took north from Baja California to San Diego and the battles the Tipai fought with the Spanish once Serra's party arrived. The author used real quotes from 1700's diaries to hep write this book. The book includes black and white drawings by Susan Carlson and an introduction by general editor Alex Haley.… (meer)

This biography of Dame Shirley (pen name of Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe) gives an accurate account of the rough and often barbaric life in the California gold mines. Dame Shirley's candid letters to her sister describing her experiences in Rich Bar were published and were very popular during her day. In Dame Shirley's voice, the author, James Rawls, described the drunken brawls and racism taking place at the mines. Somehow, even though Rawls (and Dame Shirley!) give a true picture of the Gold Rush, the book is still appropriate for children. John Holder's black and white drawings and a map add to the story.… (meer)