Writing from his prison cell, young Esteban de Sandoval describes his adventures as a mapmaker with Coronado in the New World of the 16th century. With a band of young Spaniards, he struck out in search of the Seven Golden Cities of Cibola. Their guide on this dangerous journey was a young Indian girl, and only she escapes the corrupting effects of greed.

From the reviews:

"Compelling, deeply felt story of a boy who, almost too late, comes to realize the awful cost of the lust for gold in honor and human life."

ALA Booklist

"The writing is subtly beautiful, often moving, and says more than may be caught in one reading."

Horn Book

"A dramatic tale, well told, about one of the most colorful periods of American history."

The Atlantic

"Excellent novel of the 16th century, which brings to life people and events."

(double-starred review) Library Journal

The King's Fifth's awards:

Newbery Honor Book. 1967
Federal Republic of Germany Jugendbuchpreis. 1970