Smokestack: D. Gray Foxx

by Theodore Johnson, D. Grey Foxx (Editor)

Not all handicaps are physically visible. In 1950s Utah, Mark is born with an injury to his right arm. After years of seeking a medical miracle, he is finally permitted to accept his lot . . .until Jimmy, one of the few Blacks in Murray High School moves in. Acceptance of a handicap is not in Jimmy's personal dictionary, as it is applies to others. Jimmy has a few of his own shortfalls, such as fear of heights and being the only Black during the highly volatile 1950s.. To finally get Mark to work on his arm, Jimmy commits to climbing the 1,200 foot smokestack of the old Harmon Chicken factory. Paul also moves in as a "nuisance" to his high society parents in Illinois. The three collide numerous times throughout the first year, each harboring his own emotional handicap in ongoing conflict. Jimmy's encouragement and constant badgering sees Mark's arm improved sufficiently to make the school baseball team as a back-up pitcher. It is also Jimmy's taking Paul down several notches that begins to bring the three together. Murray boys are expected to climb the old smokestack as a passing rite, and these three boys are no exception. Go with them step-by-step 1,200 feet in the air, the last 35 feet being on a slant without a safety cage. What do they discover that high up?

150 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2019