The Miner's Cap

by Ann N. Black

" The shouts grew louder on top of ear-splitting sounds of metal and iron banging and scraping. As they rounded the corner of the mine head, Pa gasped at the sight ahead, and Joe's heart began to pound like crazy. The miners' strike had turned nasty. Instantly, he began to worry. What about Mama and his little sister? Would they be safe? And what about that new girl from Wales, Moira? Did that Company kid, Arnie, have anything to do with this? No answers--now. Somehow, they had to walk on."

Tensions mount past the breaking point in Ann N. Black's poignant book for young people, "The Miner's Cap." Based on true events surrounding the 1914 Ludlow Massacre, it tells of one boy's desperate search for hope in the aftermath of the devastation that follows.

Joe Mantonio, the thirteen-year-old son of Italian immigrants, works alongside his father in the in the mines near Ludlow, Colorado. When the poorly treated workers decide to strike, the company retaliates by forcing them and their families out of their homes and into tents.

After months of strife, the battle culminates in a savage massacre-one that sees soldiers who had been hired to protect the workers killing them instead. Joe and his family are caught in the crossfire of this horrific battle that ultimately devastates the entire tent colony. Amidst the wreckage of the aftermath, Joe wants revenge-but can he find it without losing himself in the process? "The Miner's Cap" is a heartfelt coming-of-age story during a tumultuous time in America's history.

340 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2013

Reviews

[Shonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the unbelievable honor to read this book while staying at the author's former home (with the author's beautiful granddaughter), surrounded by her research materials in the place were the book was researched/written. I read the book and in between, I went through some of the old research materials that contained photos & firsthand accounts of the massacre. I also was within sight of the mountain ranges mentioned in the book, and took trips into some of the towns mentioned as well. It made the reading of this book much more of an experience than if I had simply read this book at home.

The fact that this is a true story is astonishing. The fact that it is a true story I've never heard of is even more astonishing. This is something that should be taught in schools to remind the next generation that the government is flawed and how hard workers have had to fight for basic human rights.

The writing itself: surprising & delightful. I was worried it'd be a little too childlike for me to truly enjoy (it's been awhile since I've read any YA) but it was engrossing, emotional, and touching. I will be purchasing copies for my nieces & nephews to read when they are older; it's a part of history I'd like them to know.

[Adam Jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good dramatization of the Ludlow massacre, possibly the most important turning point for labor in America. The writing is directed at middle school aged kids, and is a perfect book for teachers of that age group to assign. The author incorporates all the pivotal moments and people that existed and led up to the massacre from the point of view of a 14 year old boy.

Great book for younger readers.

[Marty Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know about the Ludlow Massacre until reading this middle grade historical fiction. Kind of stunning--in both what happened, and how Black takes the reader through the tumultuous event. Miner's Cap shows what it was like to live in that area during this period of history in a way that makes you feel the grime, taste the various foods prepared by the immigrant families, and ache with the desperation of the situation. I also loved how the kids were still kids--bullies, first loves, little sisters and all--but also kids who rose to action with hope and determination. It was a grisly event, and seen through the eyes of children on verge of adulthood is a powerful tool for both kids and adults.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent YA historical fiction book about the events of 1913-1914 surrounding the coal miner’s strike and Ludlow massacre in southern Colorado, written by a local author. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary I have read books, attended symposia, and visited museum exhibits focusing on Ludlow, and everything in the book rang true. Equally important, it’s suspenseful and well written, with engaging characters. For readers near the age of Joe, the 14-year-old protagonist, this is a great coming-of-age story combined with a lesson about an important part of U.S. history, but it’s also a very enjoyable book for adults.

[R.l. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to give this one five stars.
Based on the true events of the Ludlow Massacre, the author has told this tragic and yet inspiring story through the eyes of a young boy. The Miner's Cap is historical fiction and is aimed at middle grade children, but I think anyone who reads this will enjoy it, no matter how old they are. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
Time richly spent.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this book free through the GoodReads Giveaways and the opinions in this review are my own.