Questions and answers
Your questions, answered
Short answers about the books, the storytellers and where to find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classy Reads?
Classy Reads, “Books by Maxwell”, is the home of western adventure novels and hand-painted, large-print picture books from one family of storytellers: Larry L. Maxwell, the Master Story Teller; Frankie A. Maxwell, who painted every picture; and her son, F. Matt Hogle, who carried the saga on.
Who wrote the books?
Larry L. Maxwell (1932–2019) wrote the Jacob’s Gold saga and over a hundred and twenty rhyming stories, the picture books among them. F. Matt Hogle helped him publish the saga, wrote its fourth book, Against the Western Sky, from Larry’s notes and his own ideas, then wrote The Shadow Treasure and Warriors of the White Mountain. He also edits the picture books and co-wrote several of them.
Who painted the pictures?
Frankie A. Maxwell. She painted the covers of all the novels and illustrated every one of the large-print stories, and she spearheaded turning them into real books.
Where can I buy the books?
On Amazon. Every book on this site has a “Buy on Amazon” button that goes straight to it.
What order should I read the Jacob’s Gold novels in?
In the order they were written: 1. Jacob’s Gold, 2. Partners, 3. Texas Ranger, 4. Against the Western Sky. Then The Shadow Treasure, an all-new Dutch and Jacob story, and Warriors of the White Mountain.
What is new in the 2026 Edition of Jacob’s Gold?
Errors in names and some grammar are corrected, and many illustrations are added. It is edited by F. Matt Hogle and came out in October 2026 (ISBN 979-8178212783). The original 2018 edition is still sold.
What is The Season of Sharing?
The newest Christmas picture book, out in October 2026 (ISBN 979-8164111359): an easy-to-read, large-print, full-color rhyming story about one family that overcomes its own struggles and then shares the true spirit of Christmas with its neighbors. Told by Larry L. Maxwell, edited by F. Matt Hogle and hand-painted by Frankie A. Maxwell.
Are the picture books in large print?
Yes. All sixteen are illustrated large-print picture books: original rhyming stories with full-color, hand-painted artwork.
What ages are the picture books for?
Most are geared for children but loved by all ages; several say “from 1 to 101”. The novels are fast-paced Old West adventures.
How many books are there?
Twenty-two: six western novels and sixteen large-print picture books.
Which books are about Christmas?
The Season of Sharing, A Christmas Prayer, The Spirit of Giving, The Gift, The Bethlehem Journey, Tell Us About Christmas, Alaskan Christmas Tales, Christmas is for Everyone and Christmas Stories.
How did the Jacob’s Gold saga begin?
Years after moving to Alaska, Larry L. Maxwell was shown a pamphlet in Mesa, Arizona, about Jacob Waltz and his gold mining, and challenged himself to write about “Jacob’s Gold”. A few days before he passed away in 2019, he held part 3, Texas Ranger, in paperback. Matt finished the saga with part 4.
Where are the stories set?
The novels travel from Germany to the California Gold Rush, Texas, the Superstition Mountains and the White Mountains of the Arizona Territory. Many of the picture books are set on the farm, in the woods or in Alaska, where most of Larry’s nine children were born.
How do I hear about new books?
Join the new-books list on the contact page: leave your email and the family will let you know when new books and stories come out. To write to the family, use the contact form on the same page.
The words themselves are explained in the glossary. Anything else? Send the family a note.
When’s the next book?
Leave your email and the family will let you know when new books and stories come out.