THE LAST STAND

Author and narrator Antwan Eady creates a tender first-person story of a boy who helps his Papa harvest, transport, and sell goods at his local farm stand each weekend. Eady speaks slowly and clearly in the cadence of poetry. His lengthy pauses often serve to highlight the colorful imagery and alliteration found in the community--black hands, gray hair, yellow sun, white eggs, and more. The author's note explains Eady's connection to rural Black farmers and notes their dwindling numbers, as well as the injustices done to them and generations of sharecroppers, enslaved people, and Indigenous people. Despite this, he leaves the listener with hopeful feelings for the future. Because of the book's colorful nature, the companion picture book would be a welcome addition. L.T. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2024]