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Rocked in the Cradle of Coal #1
Peeling Potatoes: Katie's Story
Rocked in The Cradle of Coal Children of the Pennsylvania Coal Mines
Northeastern Pennsylvania was the cradle of the coal industry in the early 1900s. Immigrants escaping poverty and hunger in Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, and other countries were eagerly recruited by the anthracite mine barons to provide cheap labor in exchange for the promise of a better life in North America. Upon arriving in their new country, immigrants soon discovered that the streets were not made of gold. Because they were part of a vast low-skilled labor force and did not speak English well (although they may have spoken three or four other languages), they faced prejudice and were ridiculed with ethnic slurs.
With limited resources and a language barrier that separated them from the mainstream culture, these proud immigrants found strength in ethnic neighborhoods, societies, and their faith. They persevered with a strong work ethic, self-respect, and love for each other. Rocked in the Cradle of Coal stories are based on fact although not politically correct by today’s standards. The situations and conversations are purely a product of oral tradition and the author’s imagination…
but they could have happened in any immigrant home at that time.
Book 1: Peeling Katie’s Story
It is 1914. Katie lives with her widowed mother and four older siblings on the edge of a coal mine near the river. Her young life is about to change. She must start school one year early so Mama can work full-time. Katie speaks Russian, but she hardly knows any English words. She’s shy, she doesn’t know any other children in the first grade, and she’s a year younger than everyone else. She wants to be brave and help her family. Can she do it?
Northeastern Pennsylvania was the cradle of the coal industry in the early 1900s. Immigrants escaping poverty and hunger in Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, and other countries were eagerly recruited by the anthracite mine barons to provide cheap labor in exchange for the promise of a better life in North America. Upon arriving in their new country, immigrants soon discovered that the streets were not made of gold. Because they were part of a vast low-skilled labor force and did not speak English well (although they may have spoken three or four other languages), they faced prejudice and were ridiculed with ethnic slurs.
With limited resources and a language barrier that separated them from the mainstream culture, these proud immigrants found strength in ethnic neighborhoods, societies, and their faith. They persevered with a strong work ethic, self-respect, and love for each other. Rocked in the Cradle of Coal stories are based on fact although not politically correct by today’s standards. The situations and conversations are purely a product of oral tradition and the author’s imagination…
but they could have happened in any immigrant home at that time.
Book 1: Peeling Katie’s Story
It is 1914. Katie lives with her widowed mother and four older siblings on the edge of a coal mine near the river. Her young life is about to change. She must start school one year early so Mama can work full-time. Katie speaks Russian, but she hardly knows any English words. She’s shy, she doesn’t know any other children in the first grade, and she’s a year younger than everyone else. She wants to be brave and help her family. Can she do it?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2022
140 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Jayne M. Booth
5 books6 followersI have been teaching a vegan lifestyle for at least 15 years and blogging about health-related subjects for about 12 years. To learn more about me or to find some great plant-based recipes, please visit my blog: https://www.vegtutor.com
My newest series, "Rocked in the Cradle of Coal," is in a completely different genre... historical fiction for middle-grade children.
Newly published Book 3 in the series is a #1 Best Seller. You can learn more about this series and the historical era it features on my author's website: https://www.jaynembooth.com
My newest series, "Rocked in the Cradle of Coal," is in a completely different genre... historical fiction for middle-grade children.
Newly published Book 3 in the series is a #1 Best Seller. You can learn more about this series and the historical era it features on my author's website: https://www.jaynembooth.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 11, 2023
A short easy to read book recounting the lives of a widow and her family and how they cope as Russian immigrants in Usa
I enjoyed this and feel a child age 10 and up would too.
I enjoyed this and feel a child age 10 and up would too.
July 23, 2022
Transported in Time
Just the kind of book I would have loved in elementary school … effortlessly taking me to a different time and place, giving me a glimpse of another culture, and making me fall in love with the main family of characters. This one has earned a spot in my library for my grandkids. Can’t wait for the next book from this author!
Just the kind of book I would have loved in elementary school … effortlessly taking me to a different time and place, giving me a glimpse of another culture, and making me fall in love with the main family of characters. This one has earned a spot in my library for my grandkids. Can’t wait for the next book from this author!
April 3, 2023
A really feel good story.
I loved this story of everyday life of a single parent home. She raised her children while keeping the love of God and the bible's teaching in the home. All members of the family had responsibilities that build good characters.
This is a book I can read at night and sleep well afterwards.
I loved this story of everyday life of a single parent home. She raised her children while keeping the love of God and the bible's teaching in the home. All members of the family had responsibilities that build good characters.
This is a book I can read at night and sleep well afterwards.
March 19, 2024
Wonderful story
It’s a wonderful story that includes many cultural tidbits from Slavic immigrants (Ukrainian, Carpatho-Rusyn, Polish, etc.) that could have been indicative of life for my family when they immigrated to the United States. The story doesn’t shy away from talking about God which is so ingrained in these cultures. There’s only one sentence that needs to be edited (from an Orthodox perspective):
“One by one, the people filed to the front to take the blessed bread and wine, symbolic of the body and blood of Christ.”
If this is indeed referring to Holy Communion, then it should be clear that when we receive the body and blood of Christ, it is not symbolic. If it is referring to the antidoron (because many only communed once a year), then that should be made clear. (If that could be changed in a future print, it would be an excellent book to have in our church bookstore for elementary school readers.)
It’s a wonderful story that includes many cultural tidbits from Slavic immigrants (Ukrainian, Carpatho-Rusyn, Polish, etc.) that could have been indicative of life for my family when they immigrated to the United States. The story doesn’t shy away from talking about God which is so ingrained in these cultures. There’s only one sentence that needs to be edited (from an Orthodox perspective):
“One by one, the people filed to the front to take the blessed bread and wine, symbolic of the body and blood of Christ.”
If this is indeed referring to Holy Communion, then it should be clear that when we receive the body and blood of Christ, it is not symbolic. If it is referring to the antidoron (because many only communed once a year), then that should be made clear. (If that could be changed in a future print, it would be an excellent book to have in our church bookstore for elementary school readers.)
May 7, 2023
Important Job !
A nice story about Katie & her family that lived in a coal mining town.
Katie's father was a miner & was killed when she was very little,so she doesn't remember him.
Her mother is raising the children by working in the fields & taking in boarders.
Her three sisters & one brother all have to work to either contribute with pay or have other meaningful jobs.
Katie's most important job is peeling potatoes,which she does alone or with a friend from uptown.
A great book to make you appreciate what you have !,
A nice story about Katie & her family that lived in a coal mining town.
Katie's father was a miner & was killed when she was very little,so she doesn't remember him.
Her mother is raising the children by working in the fields & taking in boarders.
Her three sisters & one brother all have to work to either contribute with pay or have other meaningful jobs.
Katie's most important job is peeling potatoes,which she does alone or with a friend from uptown.
A great book to make you appreciate what you have !,
June 24, 2025
My parents were raised in a small coal-mining town like the one in this author's book. For me this book was authentic, charming, funny and a wonderful trip back in time.
I really appreciate the details shared in the book such as the foods and holiday traditions that Slavic people hold dear. I am grateful that the author took the time to share these stories that help our immigrant stories stay alive and keep our history and ancestry intact. Knowing and respecting our past helps us create a better and a brighter future.
I really appreciate the details shared in the book such as the foods and holiday traditions that Slavic people hold dear. I am grateful that the author took the time to share these stories that help our immigrant stories stay alive and keep our history and ancestry intact. Knowing and respecting our past helps us create a better and a brighter future.
September 9, 2025
Rocked in the Cradle of Coal: Peeling Katie’s Story is a heartfelt look at the immigrant experience in early 20th century Pennsylvania. Through Katie’s eyes, we see the challenges of being young, shy, and unable to speak much English while trying to support her family. The story feels authentic and rooted in real traditions, capturing both the struggles and the resilience of immigrant communities. It’s a moving read that balances hardship with warmth and shows the strength of family and identity.
November 5, 2025
loved it
From the perspective of 5 year old Katie, this story of life in a coal mining town is interesting and upbeat despite their hardships. I loved how Katie’s siblings especially her brother irritate her at times but totally have her back if anyone else bothers her. I would read this again.
From the perspective of 5 year old Katie, this story of life in a coal mining town is interesting and upbeat despite their hardships. I loved how Katie’s siblings especially her brother irritate her at times but totally have her back if anyone else bothers her. I would read this again.
November 20, 2022
potatoes Are Important Too
I
felt like I was Katie in this story. I learned about her country of origin, the foods they eat, their spiritual beliefs, and how they celebrated holidays.
I enjoy the story very much!
I
felt like I was Katie in this story. I learned about her country of origin, the foods they eat, their spiritual beliefs, and how they celebrated holidays.
I enjoy the story very much!
December 21, 2022
I cannot wait for more!
Thank you for bringing memories of hearing stories “of de oldengg days, jaaa” of my great grand parents lives. I’m craving halushki, kielbasa and perogies !!
Thank you for bringing memories of hearing stories “of de oldengg days, jaaa” of my great grand parents lives. I’m craving halushki, kielbasa and perogies !!
February 11, 2023
This is a simple , humble, and straight to the point story that is relaxing and fun to read. Sometimes just a simple tale can teach life lessons as well as any in depth stories with complex characters. I really liked this story and came away relaxed and refreshed.
March 9, 2023
Sweet book.
"Peeling Potatoes” is a very sweet and family-friendly novel that just happened to pop up on my Amazon feed. I’m very glad it did as I enjoyed reading it very, very much. Five *****'s!
"Peeling Potatoes” is a very sweet and family-friendly novel that just happened to pop up on my Amazon feed. I’m very glad it did as I enjoyed reading it very, very much. Five *****'s!
May 7, 2023
Probably a book for the middle school crowd, but I enjoyed it and learned a few things about Ukrainian traditions and cooking. I'd like to read the follow up book, but have yet to find it through inter-library loan. Weird, because it's a new book...
October 10, 2023
I will say it was a sweet book but it is definitely made more for young kids not adults like my 63 year old self.I love southern stories it had some about coal miners but not for adults Goodreads for girls especially
October 7, 2024
Such a heartfelt and raw story about immigrant life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Katie’s perspective is full of innocence, yet the reality around her is tough. You can feel her struggle as she tries to hold her family together
October 16, 2024
This book really digs into the harsh life of coal mining families, but what hit
me hardest was Wasyl's inner journey. The weight of family secrets,
especially for a child, was so well portrayed. You can’t help but feel for him
as he learns painful truths about his father
me hardest was Wasyl's inner journey. The weight of family secrets,
especially for a child, was so well portrayed. You can’t help but feel for him
as he learns painful truths about his father
September 10, 2022
Nice
The story was very interesting, fun,and clean. It was very well written and all the characters were very interesting. Good jon
The story was very interesting, fun,and clean. It was very well written and all the characters were very interesting. Good jon
January 27, 2023
A very clear slice in time. Sweet, and descriptive. I hope the author will write more.
March 15, 2023
great book,
I liked how the characters were developed and how positive mom was was as she raised her children. It is a wonderful family book!
I liked how the characters were developed and how positive mom was was as she raised her children. It is a wonderful family book!
April 16, 2023
a disappointment
This book is for children. Not a good plot. No progression. Disappointing as I hoped it would be a good memoir.
This book is for children. Not a good plot. No progression. Disappointing as I hoped it would be a good memoir.
June 9, 2023
very enjoyable read
Enjoyed the story from a little girl’s outlook. Very easy to read.I think it would be a great book for kids also.
Enjoyed the story from a little girl’s outlook. Very easy to read.I think it would be a great book for kids also.
July 17, 2023
Life in a coal mining town
Such a sweet story about the hard life for folks in a coal Ming town and what they do to survive
Such a sweet story about the hard life for folks in a coal Ming town and what they do to survive
February 17, 2023
Peeling Potatoes
I enjoyed reading this book about others who grew up in a coal camp. The children were taught how to survive with hard work and good morals. This generation would do well to read this book and it might teach them more core values.
I enjoyed reading this book about others who grew up in a coal camp. The children were taught how to survive with hard work and good morals. This generation would do well to read this book and it might teach them more core values.
March 2, 2023
Very slow moving story about life of poor coal miner families.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews