About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels the weight of your expectations or struggles with being different from the rest of the family. It is a perfect choice for the young artist or dreamer who feels out of step with a more traditional or practical environment. Set in the coal-mining hills of West Virginia, the story follows eleven-year-old Jed, who loves wood carving but fears disappointing his father, who expects him to follow four generations into the dangerous mines. The book beautifully explores the tension between family loyalty and personal identity. It is ideal for children ages 8 to 12 who are starting to notice their own unique talents and are looking for the courage to express them. Parents will appreciate the nuanced, realistic depiction of a father-son relationship where love is present but communication is difficult.
