Dawn struggles to decide if she should leave her chaotic life with her family in Kentucky for a stable life with Aunt June in Tennessee. What are the pros and cons of staying versus leaving? Which does she ultimately choose, and do you agree with her choice?

Why is it so hard for residents of Canard County to come to an agreement about the presence of coal mining on Blue Bear Mountain? What is each side, the coal mining companies and their employees and supporters versus the anti-coal activists, arguing?

What role do the coal companies play in the community? Why does Mamaw say that they are ones with the power and not the government?