THE LAST STAND

Knopf Books for Young Readers |  January 30, 2024

By Antwan Eady
Illustrated by Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey

Description

The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope.

Every stand has a story.
This one is mine.

Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer's market. Of course, it's more than a farmer's market. Papa knows each customer's order, from Ms. Rosa's pumpkins to Mr. Johnny's peppers. And when Papa can't make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce.

Heartwarming illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals a family's pride in their work, and reminds us to harvest love and hope from those around us.

  • "The Pumphrey brothers convey a feeling of community-created abundance as the narrator reflects on family history in this intergenerational story that hints at larger sociopolitical issues.”
    –Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • "A sumptuously illustrated, bittersweet story that’s at once an ode to and a eulogy for Black American farms."
    –Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

  • "This multilayered story can be shared either as a family pulling together to keep their business running or as a deeper exploration of a situation many Black farmers and communities have faced."
    –Booklist (starred review)

  • "Every inch of The Last Stand is a declaration of solidarity, perseverance and an intent to make a stand."
    –BookPage (starred review)

  • "A celebratory love letter and a solemn apology to Black farmers."
    –The Bulletin (starred review)

  • "The Last Stand.... tells the openhearted story of a boy and his grandfather, and pays loving tribute to Black farmers in the U.S."
    –Shelf Awareness (starred review)

  • "A self-described love letter, this pairs perfectly with Maria Gianferrari’s Thank a Farmer for classroom units or story hours on food and community."
    –School Library Journal (starred review)
  • "The plight of Black farmers takes center stage in this affecting picture book.”


“Papa’s hair is gray and thin. His movements slow and steady. But, like the wrinkles on his hands, every strand and movement tells a story.”
—Antwan Eady, THE LAST STAND