Young Adult Novels

International Reading Association’s Young Adult Choice Award

By the turn of the century, millions of dollars in gold had been mined from the hills around Cripple Creek. 

In its heyday, the city boasted over 150 saloons, 8 newspapers, and an opera house. 

Hotels were so busy trying to accommodate the “Pikes Peak or Bust” gold rushers to the Rockies, they didn’t even have time to wash silverware between customers.

Eager miners staked their claims with such names as “The Vindication Mine” and “Dr. Jack Pot.” 

One miner couldn’t decide on a location, so he threw his hat into the air, then dug at the spot where it fell. 

Luckily, his hat landed on a hidden vein of pure gold, netting him 16 million dollars.

Others weren’t so lucky. Mining was tough work. Gold had to be blasted out of hard rock with dynamite. Descending the mine shaft was likened to a “foretaste of Hades.” 

Many did not survive the rough life, frigid mountain winters, flu epidemics, or the “Big Fire” that ravaged the town after a dance hall girl, arguing with her gentleman caller, knocked over a gasoline stove.

Wild West indeed. 

Game of Survival is an American Library Association’s recommended book for reluctant readers as well as a “Young Adult Choice” book

“Game of Survival is the best Rocky Mountain survival story ever.” —The Rocky Mountain News

“Readers who love adventure will find themselves absorbed in this highly dramatic tale. Regan does an excellent job conveying both the beauty and power of nature. Besides offering suspense, she provides insight into human behavior by exploring how attitudes, emotions, and relationships are affected by isolation and danger.” —Publishers Weekly

“The characters are well formed and unpredictable enough to be believable. The author maintains the suspense and the humor right up to the end.” —VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)