Chapter 4 Summary

The war is in full effect when Father is drafted. The family goes with him to the station to say goodbye, and David has never seen a grown man cry like that before. Most of the young men were leaving town for the war as well. The mechanic shops are empty, and signs are hung everywhere stating they are closed for the duration.

A small propeller factory is built down near the river, and many women find employment there, including Aunt Mae. She is even promoted to a supervisor of a section. Everyday she accompanies David on his walk to school. Mother stays home and cares for the crops out back that Father writes home about from his travels.

David is now out of fourth grade and his teacher, Mrs. Moore, is much more congenial that Mrs. Watkins. He passes Mrs. Watkins in...