Read chapters 1-2
Content Summary for Teachers
Chapter 1
The first chapter introduces the Holbrook family, in particular, Mazie, who is six years old, and her parents, Jim and Anna.
Their daily routine starts when they hear the mine whistle, calling the workers for their shifts. This sound makes Mazie worried because she's afraid someone, like her dad, might not come back. Jim gets ready for work and leaves early to supervise a new miner named Andy Kvaternick, who is replacing his father after a deadly accident. This accident has left Andy's mom, Marie, heartbroken, and she hopes her daughters will become nuns. The chapter also shows that Anna is concerned about the mine's dangers...
