Gillman and his younger brother Junius’ father dies and they go to live with their Aunt Hazel and Uncle Lewis Wace who they have never met until the funeral. They arrive in their new home in Harlan and see that most of their stuff survived the trip, including a prized Sam Hall record. Hazel expresses joy that they are staying with her and insists that she purchases them new things. At school the two mostly keep to themselves. A kid and his friend come over and start messing with him and Gillman and Junius beat them up. At home, Lewis demands that they apologize to the main bully because his dad is Lewis’ boss. Other than this incident school goes well for them and they make good grades. They cannot go fishing because of the mining contamination in the water, so they spend a majority of the early summer reading and listening to music. During one dinner, Lewis reveals that he is in competition for a promotion. Gillman and Junius find a rock in the woods to hang out at. Gillman and Lewis don’t see eye to eye because Lewis believes that Gillman’s refusal to apologize could jeopardize his promotion opportunity. One day, Gillman misses dinner on purpose and afterwards he has a private talk with Lewis. Eventually, Lewis learns that he does not get the promotion. Gillman is sent away to live with his grandfather while Junius stays with Hazel and Lewis. Junius tries to run away several times but is caught.  After his third attempt, he goes up to his room and locks the door and plays his Sam Hall record loudly.