Content Warning: The novel refers to Black people as “colored,” but this guide will use the term Black to follow the example set by Black scholars, writers, and journalists. The novel contains graphic descriptions of the aftermath of a natural disaster, including loss of life. It references ecological disasters and their devastating effects. The book references and depicts sexism and intense racism and oppression toward Black and Latinx people.

Seth and his family are moving to Galveston from Lampasas, Texas, a town near Austin that is around 270 miles from Galveston. The train is full of people excited to be going to Galveston, which “is fast becoming the New York City of Texas,” according to Seth’s Uncle Nate (3). Nate has promised Seth’s family that the city is full of opportunity and will make it possible for them to send Seth and his brothers to college. Seth wants to be a carpenter and does not want to go to college to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. At 17, Seth is the oldest child in the family. His mother often asks him for help with his four-year-old sister, Kate; Seth slightly resents this and wishes there was an older daughter who could take care of her instead.