Designed for use by teachers, library media teachers, public librarians, and parents, this bibliographic resource contains references to selected books and videos available in many school and public libraries. Many of the bibliography's materials offer stories of real people who struggled to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and who achieved success. Featured resources describe first-hand accounts and accurate historical perspectives describing triumphs, tragedies, adventures, and accomplishments of the early pioneers. Students can gain an understanding of the events and the cooperative efforts that shaped the state of California. The bibliography, a snapshot in time, emphasizes the years 1846 to 1850. It contains information about print and nonprint resources, including fiction and nonfiction publications, Internet sites, and museums. Each resource was read, viewed, or visited by a member of the committee responsible for compiling the information in the bibliography. To facilitate its use, the bibliography is organized into six sections: (1) "The Stage Is Set" (resources listed in this section provide essential background knowledge and an introduction to the events preceding the California gold rush); (2) "Wagons West" (materials in this section bring the drama of the westward movement alive); (3) "Rivalry and Revolt" (resources listed in this section address the quest for power and control in claiming California's future); (4) "Gold and Glory" (California's gold rush serves as the focus of the materials in this section); (5) "The Golden State" (this section contains information about the creation of the 31st state); and (6) "The Sesquicentennial and Beyond" (materials in this section address the overarching themes and issues of the years marked by the sesquicentennial and the impact of these themes and issues on California today). (BT)