The Runaway's Gold

March 23, 2015
Two dissimilar locales—the Shetland Islands and New York City—are the settings for debut author Burack’s ambitious story of 14-year-old Shetlander Christopher Robertson, on the run from the law in his village, where his family barely makes a living as tenant farmers and fishermen. Forced by his father to kill a neighbor’s ewe and framed by his older brother for the theft of his father’s pouch of coins, Christopher—after a stay in prison, among other dangerous escapades—ends up in New York, beholden to one Billy Tweed, on his way to becoming the infamous Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall. Set in 1842 and overflowing with historical detail, the novel makes generous use of dialect, which—along with a plot roving in time and packed with characters—requires concentration, but leads to a rewarding conclusion that intertwines a piece of early American history with Christopher and his Shetland home. Extensive back material explains the background of the Shetland Islands while separating the book’s fictional aspects from those rooted in history. Ages 8–14. Agent: Charlotte Sheedy, Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency.

March 1, 2015
A Scottish lad flees his home in pursuit of treasure that promises to relieve his family's penury forever. Almost 14, Christopher Robertson lives in dire poverty with his family on the Shetland Islands in 1842, in debt like everyone else to the landowner, a smuggler. When Christopher's brother seemingly betrays him by framing him for a crime, Christopher embarks on a journey that first lands him in prison and then eventually leads him to America on a treasure hunt. The danger-filled adventure plot allows Burack plenty of room to elaborate on the setting, politics, and social conditions of this particular bit of "Old Country"-immigrant history. Readers may sense that Burack is ultimately more interested in that history than the story itself, as some side characters are shirked and the plot swerves and hiccups (for instance, the passage from Scotland to New York is never remarked upon). The light spattering of Scottish brogue is also, at times, awkward. Still, Christopher's escaped-felon partner is memorable, and his encounters with an up-and-coming future Boss Tweed tantalize. An appendix fleshes out historical details, and a closing bibliography provides authority. Despite thin spots, Burack's story moves at an engaging clip with enough thrills and historical detail to please many readers. (Historical fiction. 9-12)

February 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-Christopher Robertson and his family live on the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, where they eke out a living as fishermen for the wealthy man who owns their house and patch of land. They are constantly under threat of eviction and starvation, with little hope for a better life. Christopher's older brother steals their abusive father's stash of coins and deserts the family. Christopher goes after him, pursued himself by one of his father's cronies, and many adventures ensue. There's smuggling, a beautiful and helpful girl, an arrest and escape from jail, and perhaps hidden treasure. Christopher eventually flees to America and discovers that it has its own dangers. Burack's extensive research shines through in the depiction of the Shetlands and New York, giving this work of fiction a solid sense of historical accuracy. The book begins almost at the end of the story, but as the narrative circle nears completion, ample room is left for a sequel. The story showcases the author's talent for description and pacing; however, the use of period British terms tends to interrupt the flow at times, though a glossary is included at the back, along with some historical information and a bibliography. The cover art belies the age and reading level of the target audience. VERDICT The challenging language may make it difficult for some students to invest in this title, but those who do will be well rewarded.-Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2015
Grades 5-8 In the mid-nineteenth century, Christopher Robertson grows up on the damp, desperate, and nearly barren Shetland Islands, crammed into a tumbledown croft house with his family as they scrape by on their widower father's meager earnings. When his brother John steals their father's hoarded coins, blames Christopher, and bolts for the harbor, Christopher chases after him, only to be caught amid a smuggling operation. While in prison, however, he discovers clues to the whereabouts of an infamous buried treasure, which takes him all the way to New York City. Debut author Burack infuses this gritty tale with plenty of historical detail about both the Shetland Islands and life as an immigrant in Boss Tweed's New York. From traditional Shetland shoes and the importance of those famously short ponies to the unfair labor practices that contribute to Christopher's Dickensian experiences, Burack's careful research into Shetland history clearly shines through. An author's note and glossary are very helpful additions. Though the conclusion is a bit abrupt, this unique historical adventure is illuminating.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)