In a rural town in northern New York during wintertime, it’s nine-year-old Almanzo’s first day of school. He and his three older siblings—Royal, Eliza Jane, and Alice—walk to school. They trudge through many feet of snow. “Bossy” Eliza Jane tells Almanzo he must carry their heavy lunch because he’s the youngest.

When they arrive at the schoolhouse, the “big boys,” who are about 17 years old, are fighting outside. They often cause trouble, like making younger kids fight each other or thrashing the teacher. Almanzo thinks these giant boys will easily be able to hurt the kind, small teacher, Mr. Corse, if they try.

Mr. Corse gives everyone spelling words. Almanzo works on his primer (a small book that helps people learn to read). The whole class is quiet; they aren’t allowed to talk or distract others. During lunch break, Almanzo’s family shares the food their mother made, including bread and butter, sausages, and apple turnovers.

Unlike other teachers, Mr. Corse is very nice and doesn’t hit anyone with rulers if they make mistakes like misspelling words. Almanzo gets a word wrong and must stay inside during recess to learn it.

After he learns the word, Almanzo joins the others outside for recess. They have snowball fights and sled down hills.