Chapter Three
1. In what ways does the conflict between Elsie and Homer Sr. benefit Sonny?
2. How are the building of a rocket and the acquisition of and education connected in Elsie's mind?
3. Is Homer Sr. a good, bad, or typical father? Is Elsie a good, bad, or typical mother? Explain.
Chapter Four
1. When Big Creek High School is not allowed to play in the football championship, how does Dad react? What is Mom's response?
2. What conflicts left over from the past seem to make Dad's feelings toward John Dubonnet especially bitter?
3. In Mr. Dubonnet's opinion, what change or changes has made modern coal mining more unhealthy than old-fashion mining used to be? Why is this danger particularly relevant to Sonny's dad?
Chapter Five
1. How does Quentin differ from most kids at his school? Despite these differences, how are his circumstances similar to those of his other classmates?
2. Why does Mr. Dubonnet believe that Sonny should leave Coalwood after high school?
3. What do you think motivates Dorothy to ask Sonny to her home for a study date?
1. In what ways does the conflict between Elsie and Homer Sr. benefit Sonny?
2. How are the building of a rocket and the acquisition of and education connected in Elsie's mind?
3. Is Homer Sr. a good, bad, or typical father? Is Elsie a good, bad, or typical mother? Explain.
Chapter Four
1. When Big Creek High School is not allowed to play in the football championship, how does Dad react? What is Mom's response?
2. What conflicts left over from the past seem to make Dad's feelings toward John Dubonnet especially bitter?
3. In Mr. Dubonnet's opinion, what change or changes has made modern coal mining more unhealthy than old-fashion mining used to be? Why is this danger particularly relevant to Sonny's dad?
Chapter Five
1. How does Quentin differ from most kids at his school? Despite these differences, how are his circumstances similar to those of his other classmates?
2. Why does Mr. Dubonnet believe that Sonny should leave Coalwood after high school?
3. What do you think motivates Dorothy to ask Sonny to her home for a study date?
