What was it like for a 12-year-old boy growing up in the rugged hills of Coloma California, where gold was first discovered? A mine explosion, a bear encounter, and a jewel thief are just a few of Pearley Monroe's many adventures growing up in the 1800's.Pearley learns first hand that some of life's lesson require hard choices and offer wisdom that is ageless. Based on historical documents and first person accounts of the Monroe-Gooch family, this fictionalized adaptation brings to life some of California's first pioneers whose perseverance despite adversity became legendary.