Black Gold
(Orca Echoes)

Gr 2-4--Fifth grader Cyrus Inglot and little brother Rudy have traded in the big city for the Canadian countryside. It's a new way of life for the pair, and they are having a bit of trouble adjusting. One day, while selling flowers and berries by the roadside, a stranger gifts the brothers with a large container of worms--California wrigglers, to be exact. The neighboring community goes wild for them and pays the boys a pretty penny for every bag. Caring for these worms give the boys an introduction to the wonders of nature. They learn that "dirt has character." An upcoming agricultural fair tests the boys as they immerse themselves in their rural environment. This contemporary, fish-out-of-water tale is straightforward and engaging. The characters are fully developed and relatable. Rudy's fear of starting a new school is genuine as he commiserates with another anxious student. Cyrus's decision to enter his homegrown cucumber in a contest, only to switch it with a store-bought one, has real consequences. The pencil artwork is spare yet adds to the story. Educators will welcome this solid tale packed with facts about rural life. While this title is the third book in the exploits of Cyrus and Rudy, it can be read as a stand-alone. The language is easy and will appeal to reluctant readers. VERDICT A strong addition to chapter book collections. This slender title is abundant in its depictions of fear, loss, and respect for nature.--Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library