Bruce Benson on trails of thunder

the long version

Another Bruce Benson story in which thirteen-year-old Bruce strikes out on his own in a summer job with a mining company in the Adirondacks. Determined to demonstrate to his famous explorer parents that he is able to take care of himself, Bruce works with a gang from the Republic Mining Company which is to survey for a project to bring a mineral from the mountains. However, the natives object to having a railroad run through their land. Not only is Bruce responsible for bringing the village around to the progressive point of view, through some quick thinking, but has to cope with an unpleasant boss. The conclusions are over-simplified, but this is a good story with a likeable hero.