Along the Line of Smoky Hills

(a mush-hole story)

When five Joseph siblings are sent to Indian boarding school, the carefree life on their Indian reserve home abruptly changes. Life at the regimented residential school becomes a daunting journey into the known. Adjustment to an alien culture, language, and religion becomes complicated by bullies, indifferent caregivers, condescending teachers, and debilitating loneliness.

“Where is Mom?” Evan asked, pulling on his big sister's hand. She picked up her four-year-old brother, noting how heavy and tall he had grown over the school year. “I don't know,” she whispered. She buried her face in his hair so he wouldn't see her crying. Evan saw the tears and hugged her tighter. “Don't cry, mommy,” he murmured softly.