Tracey Porter

Young Billy Creekmore has a life that could have beaten him down, still as each tragedy presented itself, he was able to overcome the travesty life gave him. While his father sends a yearly post card, Billy cannot understand why he doesn't come to claim him. When the book begins he lives in an orphanage wherein the owner sells the children to work at a dangerous glass factory. Knowing his fate, Billy runs away.

He then is rescued by an Aunt and Uncle who claim to take him home with them. They treat him well, but alas times are hard and he decides to follow his Uncle into the West Virginia coal mine. When there is a mining accident which occurred because of unsafe conditions, the miners take a hard line and try to unionize. Tragically, his Uncle is killed by thugs who are called in to break up the union. He is now on the run trying to save his life.

He joins a circus and is treated very well. Fate places him in the path of his father who works for a rival circus. A smooth talking, fast drinking man, it doesn't take long for Billy to learn that his father is not the person he wants to emulate.

He returns to the reputable circus, and is welcomed back. The book ends on a hopeful note that Billy has a happy life.

The author The author taught courses in the study of echild later and children's rights. Therefore, the common theme in each of these circumstances that present themselves to Billy is that at this point in history children were open to be exploited… (mere)