Growing up in Coal Country

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. (1996). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0-395-77847-6

PLOT SUMMARY

At the turn of the century, coal mining was a way of life that included young boys working in the mines. Their lives revolved around the mines, determined their future, and often meant that they had to work just as hard as the men did. This book provides lots of information on the daily activities that were part of this life.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written so that tweens can understand, this book includes much to interest the tween who is curious about the lives of coal miners during the late 1800's and early 1900's. It includes sections on the dangers that the boys faced, the mules and rats that were both hard to work with and also considered pets, the superstitions and working conditions, playtime, and so on. Black and white pictures add to the tone of the book, evoking an often bleak outlook during this time period. Still, the facts are interesting and will keep a reader engaged by wanting to learn more about ways of life that are so different from his/her own.

READER'S ANNOTATION

The dangers of coal mining are obvious, but at the turn of the century, it was common for young boys to begin the mining lifestyle in order to help support the family. Learn about their daily activities and how they coped during these rough times.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan C. Bartoletti began college as an art major, but reconsidered after much introspection on whether or not she was good enough to be an artist. She then started taking literature classes and upon graduating, taught eight grade English for many years before finally deciding to become a writer. Her first short story was published in 1989 and her first picture book in 1992. Since then she has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, for kids.

GENRE

Nonfiction

CURRICULUM TIES

History

Have students discuss the ways in which life is different for kids then and now.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

How would you like to work from before the sun came up until after it went down? What if you had to work underground where dangers from cave-ins and toxic fumes were a daily threat? When would you get a chance to play and be a kid?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

12 and over

CHALLENGE ISSUES

none

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Know library policy.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

Tweens will learn about a way of life that many of them do not or will never know. It will expand their knowledge, broaden their perspectives of the world, and hopefully will help create a more sympathetic person through understanding the hardships that others had to go through on a daily basis just to survive.