Fire in the Hole!

In 1922, the coal mines of Idaho are a powder keg. Mick Shannon's father is a miner involved in a bitter strike against the company. Mick wants to help his family survive the resulting poverty, but he finds himself caught between the union miners, the 'scabs' who continue to work, and the violent company guards. The story culminates in a dangerous confrontation that forces Mick to decide what kind of man he wants to be. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with poverty, physical labor, and the threat of violence (explosions and guns). The approach is realistic and historical. It depicts the physical toll of mining and the desperation of families without income. The resolution is realistic and bittersweet, emphasizing resilience over a perfect happy ending. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of brewing tension and economic anxiety. It builds into a high-stakes survival thriller before settling into a reflective, hopeful conclusion about integrity and community. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who enjoys survival stories or history, especially a child who feels a heavy sense of responsibility for their family's happiness or financial well-being. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child trying to 'fix' adult problems or witnessing a heated argument between family members about politics or work. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the depiction of 'blacklisting' and the use of the term 'scab,' which may require some historical context regarding labor unions. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (age 9) will focus on the physical danger and the adventure of the 'fire in the hole' moments. Older readers (12) will better grasp the nuance of the labor movement and the ethical weight of Mick's choices. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many historical novels that focus on war or royalty, this highlights the gritty, often overlooked history of the American labor movement through the eyes of a child worker.