The Balloon Boy of San Francisco - Paperback

by Dorothy Kupcha Leland (Author)

In 1853, San Francisco newsboy Ready Gates lives up to his nickname. He's ready for anything--whether it's shouting the latest headlines from a street corner, sneaking onto a river boat to avoid paying the fare, or tracking down a missing gold miner. But when he crosses the bay to watch a balloon ascension, his adventures suddenly take an unexpected turn. Based on a true story, this book paints a colorful picture of daily life in San Francisco five years after the discovery of gold in California. It's drawn from newspapers, letters, diaries and many other historical documents.

Author Biography

Dorothy Kupcha Leland is a Californian with a lifelong interest in the history of her state. She has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist, media consultant and television news reporter. Her other books include Sallie Fox: The Story of a Pioneer Girl, A Short History of Sacramento, and The Big Tomato: A Guide to the Sacramento Region.