Illustrated by Helen Flook
Finalist, Chocolate Lily Award
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Cyrus and Rudy spend the last days of summer selling dahlias, blackberries and tomatoes at their roadside stand. When a neighbor drops off a bin full of red wigglers, California earthworms that break down compost into fertilizer, Rudy and Cyrus become worm moguls as they discover just how in demand the Eisenia fetida are.
Black Gold is the third book featuring Cyrus and Rudy’s adventures on the farm, following Not for Sale and Blackberry Juice. " Jam-packed with likable, well-realized characters and a compassionate but never didactic message." - Kirkus Reviews
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"Rudy has anxiety issues…This loving family, however, knows how to work together to help Rudy with his worries. Their calm and wise approach is just one of the winning aspects of this simple, down-to-earth (literally, with all the worms) early chapter book that's jam-packed with likable, well-realized characters and a compassionate but never didactic message. A worthy addition to collections for budding readers." Kirkus Reviews Full review
"Cassidy's writing style carefully captures the struggles and joys of her characters as they experience new things, make mistakes and face challenges." CM Magazine
"A happy, light-hearted story." Resource Links
"This contemporary, fish-out-of-water tale is straightforward and engaging. The characters are fully developed and relatable…Educators will welcome this solid tale packed with facts about rural life…The language is easy and will appeal to reluctant readers. A strong addition to chapter book collections. This slender title is abundant in its depictions of fear, loss, and respect for nature. " School Library Journal
