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Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
Winner of the 1999 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction
A CBC Notable Children’s Book in the Field of Social Studies
Two recently freed, formerly enslaved brothers work to protect the new life they’ve built during the Reconstruction after the Civil War in this vibrant, illustrated middle grade novel.
Maybe nobody gave freedom, and nobody could take it away like they could take away a family farm. Maybe freedom was something you claimed for yourself.
Like other ex-slaves, Pascal and his older brother Gideon have been promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the found family they have built along the way, they claim a place of their own.
Green Gloryland is the most wonderful place on earth, their own farm with a healthy cotton crop and plenty to eat. But the notorious night riders have plans to take it away, threatening to tear the beautiful freedom that the two boys are enjoying for the first time in their young lives.
A CBC Notable Children’s Book in the Field of Social Studies
Two recently freed, formerly enslaved brothers work to protect the new life they’ve built during the Reconstruction after the Civil War in this vibrant, illustrated middle grade novel.
Maybe nobody gave freedom, and nobody could take it away like they could take away a family farm. Maybe freedom was something you claimed for yourself.
Like other ex-slaves, Pascal and his older brother Gideon have been promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the found family they have built along the way, they claim a place of their own.
Green Gloryland is the most wonderful place on earth, their own farm with a healthy cotton crop and plenty to eat. But the notorious night riders have plans to take it away, threatening to tear the beautiful freedom that the two boys are enjoying for the first time in their young lives.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
59 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Harriette Gillem Robinet
13 books16 followersHarriette Gillem Robinet was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She spent her childhood summers in Arlington, Virginia, where her grandfather had been a slave under General Robert E. Lee.
She graduated from the College of New Rochelle, New York, and from graduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the National Writers Union.
She has written numerous award-winning books for children.
She and her husband live in Oak Park, Illinois, and have six children and four grandchildren.
She graduated from the College of New Rochelle, New York, and from graduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the National Writers Union.
She has written numerous award-winning books for children.
She and her husband live in Oak Park, Illinois, and have six children and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 30, 2018
“What you reckon owning land be like?” “We’ll wake singing and go to bed laughing. We be having both joy and peace.”
Historical fiction of the best sort. Robinet looks into the lives of freed slaves in the post-Civil War South through the eyes of a young male. Pascal has a heap of challenges, but how he learns to face them makes for entertaining and educational reading. If you have young readers in your family--or know any--get them this book. This stuff isn’t taught in schools.
“White folks should be glad we free so they don’t got to be so mean no more.”
Thoroughly researched. Of necessity in a story this compact and intended for young readers, Robinet simplifies her peripheral characters to allow extra depth to her central cast. Nevertheless, the spectrum of characters presents many of the types a Psacal or Nelly would have met.
“They say we crazy to be thinking slaves could be smart enough to farm. Say, ‘Go back.’”
The author walks a fine line trying to represent education level and ethnicity in her dialogue. Mostly successful.
“Gideon would break one crumb into two to share.”
Psacal’s journey follows the epic journey format of high fantasy and adventure stories. We think we know how it will turn out but getting there is half the fun.
“People didn’t need to own land to be somebody. Freedom be here … can’t nobody take it away. And he thought, thank you Mama.”
Historical fiction of the best sort. Robinet looks into the lives of freed slaves in the post-Civil War South through the eyes of a young male. Pascal has a heap of challenges, but how he learns to face them makes for entertaining and educational reading. If you have young readers in your family--or know any--get them this book. This stuff isn’t taught in schools.
“White folks should be glad we free so they don’t got to be so mean no more.”
Thoroughly researched. Of necessity in a story this compact and intended for young readers, Robinet simplifies her peripheral characters to allow extra depth to her central cast. Nevertheless, the spectrum of characters presents many of the types a Psacal or Nelly would have met.
“They say we crazy to be thinking slaves could be smart enough to farm. Say, ‘Go back.’”
The author walks a fine line trying to represent education level and ethnicity in her dialogue. Mostly successful.
“Gideon would break one crumb into two to share.”
Psacal’s journey follows the epic journey format of high fantasy and adventure stories. We think we know how it will turn out but getting there is half the fun.
“People didn’t need to own land to be somebody. Freedom be here … can’t nobody take it away. And he thought, thank you Mama.”
June 8, 2020
What a poignant, approachable book this is! It beautifully and gently presents the problems that black people faced all across the South, in particular, during Reconstruction. Problems that reverberate in our society still today, as we're seeing so clearly this past few days. Problems that stem from attitudes, misunderstandings, unwillingness to face change, fear, and anger. I could not have pulled this off my shelf at a better time.
While this book does talk a bit about beatings and whippings, it is not graphic, and I'd say it's great for kids 8+, though some younger children might handle it fine, and others might not be ready for it until later. The reading level was probably 3rd or 4th grade. It richly deserved the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction that it received, and I'm going to see if I can find more books by Robinet because I really liked her style and sensitive handling of important subjects.
While this book does talk a bit about beatings and whippings, it is not graphic, and I'd say it's great for kids 8+, though some younger children might handle it fine, and others might not be ready for it until later. The reading level was probably 3rd or 4th grade. It richly deserved the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction that it received, and I'm going to see if I can find more books by Robinet because I really liked her style and sensitive handling of important subjects.
September 3, 2019
Good juvenile book to read about Reconstruction.
July 21, 2022
This book was great.
That's all I have to say....
Might write a review later.
That's all I have to say....
Might write a review later.
December 17, 2014
After I finished reading this book, I thought it was an interesting book. It tells the life of a slave, and what he went through. It is not my kind of interest though, because I do not really like history. For those who do, you would like this book.
By reading this book you get what the life of a slave or ex-slave was like in first person's point of view. Gideon , and his brother Pascal are now ex-slaves. They were promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the family that the boys have made, they now have a farm of their own. They have a cotton field, and other crops on their farm. Some people thought it was weird, because there were whites working for blacks. There is a group called the night riders, who are trying to demolish the boys farm.
The main characters in this book are Gideon and Pascal. Gideon is the older brother, and Pascal is the youngest. They are self contained kids. They are now like the fathers, because there mom and dad died. They are kind and helpful kids who will do anything to help others out even through what they have been through.
The setting takes place on a farm. The time period is back when there were slaves during Reconstruction following the Civil War. The setting impacts the book, because all slaves back than had to do hard work for others. In this book the boys took it upon themselves to start a farm and hire whites.
I would recommend this book to both boys and girls in sixth grade and up. It is an easy book to comprehend and understand.
By reading this book you get what the life of a slave or ex-slave was like in first person's point of view. Gideon , and his brother Pascal are now ex-slaves. They were promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the family that the boys have made, they now have a farm of their own. They have a cotton field, and other crops on their farm. Some people thought it was weird, because there were whites working for blacks. There is a group called the night riders, who are trying to demolish the boys farm.
The main characters in this book are Gideon and Pascal. Gideon is the older brother, and Pascal is the youngest. They are self contained kids. They are now like the fathers, because there mom and dad died. They are kind and helpful kids who will do anything to help others out even through what they have been through.
The setting takes place on a farm. The time period is back when there were slaves during Reconstruction following the Civil War. The setting impacts the book, because all slaves back than had to do hard work for others. In this book the boys took it upon themselves to start a farm and hire whites.
I would recommend this book to both boys and girls in sixth grade and up. It is an easy book to comprehend and understand.
February 17, 2018
This historical novel opened my eyes to the real conditions of freed slaves after the Civil War. It made me realize how Reconstruction failed. Excellent and highly recommended.
July 28, 2024
The kids & I listened to this. I had never heard that freed slaves were promised land & possibly a mule nor had I ever thought about what life was like right after the Civil War so this was a good book to paint a picture of that time in history. It wasn’t an overly exciting book, but it was good to listen to while driving & now I have a better understanding of that era 💜
July 10, 2019
Good historical fiction is hard to find, especially for younger audiences. Often it does not reflect the truth about our nation's history. This book, however, was an excellent look at what Reconstruction was actually like for African Americans.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 5, 2020
“Joy is peace dancing and peace is joy resting.”
May 20, 2021
Perfect historical fiction for middle grade to get a picture of life for formerly enslaved people trying to create a life post Civil War. Lovely characters.
March 9, 2015
I read the book "Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule" by Harriette Gillem Robinet. I enjoyed reading this book although some parts were very boring and uneventful. Some parts of the book also seemed repetitive. This book had a very controversial topic and it was interesting to read in the point of view of a slave after the civil war. One thing that I really enjoyed about reading this book was the strong imagery that was used throughout it. Most of the scenes could be easily pictured in my head.
This book is about a young boy named Pascal City and his journey from slavery to freedom. Along with him on his journey is his older brother, Gideon City, and his friend Nelly. As they are on their way down to Georgia to find a Freedman's Bureau, they come across an older man who they ask to join them. His name is Mr. Freedman and he is a carpenter. They continue on to Georgia to find Mr. Freedman's granddaughter, Gladness. Eventually they find a Freedman's Bureau and they receive forty acres outside of town. They start a family farm on their land and they do very well. They build a house on the hill, grow cotton, and grow smaller gardens to supply food for them to eat. Then, one day, the night riders come along and burn down a bunch of farms owned by African Americans. They were able to avoid harm to their farm by having some white children play along the road. Then, a couple of weeks later, a man and his son come to their farm and take over. Pascal, Gideon, Mr. Freedman, Nelly, Gladness, and some other hired workers move the house across the lake to the Bibbs land. The Bibbs are their white friends who have become very close to them. They also fill in their well and give their cow to the Bibbs. Then they left the farm and live in a cave for a little while. They end up getting another piece of land on an island by the coast so they are on their way there when the book ends.
The main character in the book is Pascal City. He is a young, African American boy who escaped from his owners farm and is on a journey to start a new life. The second main character is Gideon City. He is Pascals older brother and he is the owner of the new farm. Then there is Nelly. She is like a little sister to Pascal and she follows them around throughout the book. Mr.Freedman is another important character in this book. He builds the house they live in and digs the well. Gladness becomes important three quarters of the way into the book when she marries Gideon. She is a big help in planting and taking care of the gardens and also the cotton field.
The setting for a majority of this book takes place in Georgia on their forty acre family farm. The time period is right after the Civil War and when President Lincoln was assassinated.
The major theme in this book would be determination and never giving up. I believe that this is the theme because all throughout the book, there are obstacles thrown at them and they keep moving forward no matter how hard it gets. They never give up even through the end of the book, after they got their farm taken away they still don't give up.
I would rate this book as a four out of five stars. This book has a mild vocabulary with a simple story line that is easy to follow. I would recommend this book to anyone at a grade level of seven and above. I recommend to this age group because younger audiences may not be able to understand the racial discrimination and hardships that the slaves went through. They also might not know as much about the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln as a person in seventh grade or above would.
This book is about a young boy named Pascal City and his journey from slavery to freedom. Along with him on his journey is his older brother, Gideon City, and his friend Nelly. As they are on their way down to Georgia to find a Freedman's Bureau, they come across an older man who they ask to join them. His name is Mr. Freedman and he is a carpenter. They continue on to Georgia to find Mr. Freedman's granddaughter, Gladness. Eventually they find a Freedman's Bureau and they receive forty acres outside of town. They start a family farm on their land and they do very well. They build a house on the hill, grow cotton, and grow smaller gardens to supply food for them to eat. Then, one day, the night riders come along and burn down a bunch of farms owned by African Americans. They were able to avoid harm to their farm by having some white children play along the road. Then, a couple of weeks later, a man and his son come to their farm and take over. Pascal, Gideon, Mr. Freedman, Nelly, Gladness, and some other hired workers move the house across the lake to the Bibbs land. The Bibbs are their white friends who have become very close to them. They also fill in their well and give their cow to the Bibbs. Then they left the farm and live in a cave for a little while. They end up getting another piece of land on an island by the coast so they are on their way there when the book ends.
The main character in the book is Pascal City. He is a young, African American boy who escaped from his owners farm and is on a journey to start a new life. The second main character is Gideon City. He is Pascals older brother and he is the owner of the new farm. Then there is Nelly. She is like a little sister to Pascal and she follows them around throughout the book. Mr.Freedman is another important character in this book. He builds the house they live in and digs the well. Gladness becomes important three quarters of the way into the book when she marries Gideon. She is a big help in planting and taking care of the gardens and also the cotton field.
The setting for a majority of this book takes place in Georgia on their forty acre family farm. The time period is right after the Civil War and when President Lincoln was assassinated.
The major theme in this book would be determination and never giving up. I believe that this is the theme because all throughout the book, there are obstacles thrown at them and they keep moving forward no matter how hard it gets. They never give up even through the end of the book, after they got their farm taken away they still don't give up.
I would rate this book as a four out of five stars. This book has a mild vocabulary with a simple story line that is easy to follow. I would recommend this book to anyone at a grade level of seven and above. I recommend to this age group because younger audiences may not be able to understand the racial discrimination and hardships that the slaves went through. They also might not know as much about the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln as a person in seventh grade or above would.
August 8, 2021
This is one of the rare children's books that covers the time of the Reconstruction. It was extremely well written and held my attention the entire way through. I learned a lot and was inspired to do my own research about this specific time in history.
October 28, 2014
Plot
I enjoyed “Forty Acres and Maybe A Mule” by Harriette Robinet, because it deals with history and it's also was a very good book. This is because in the book you get to picture what slavery was like from a first person's view. This can be done by the awesome imagery in the book. This and the storyline for the book is semi serious. This book is not intended to be a comedy because it helps inform the reader on how slavery life was. Such as when Pascal's mother dies or when the black a man got shot in the middle of the road. It is not just all sad at the end of the book they will find land and have a chance to have their lives in America.
Characterization
The book is told through first a person point of view of Pascal. Pascal is a teen black male who starts out on the plantation. He experiences many thing's from slavery to losing his mother. His mother was shot and killed on the plantation. Pascal is a very strong mentally and physically.
Gideon is another major character. He is Pascal's brother. Gideon was lucky enough to escape the plantation. He also has been through a lot such as watching his brothers being sold and traded out of his life. Nelly is a black female that has no relationship with Pascal and Gideon. Nelly was asked by Pascal to come with and leave the plantation and find land for free.
Setting
The book takes place on the plantation where there are over 40 slaves on this plantation. Pascal, Gideon, and Nelly decide to flee the plantation at night in search for forty acres and maybe a mule. They travel through a couple of states until they come upon Georgia where they finally find their forty acres and maybe a mule.
Recommend
I would recommend “Forty Acres and Maybe A Mule” to all high schoolers and beyond because of the discrimination that the book has. This is because the book has serious parts in it that young adults and adults would be able to understand. Both males and females would enjoy this book because the characters are just not one gender.
Read
January 15, 2016Personal- The book Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule was an okay read. I felt that some parts in the book were repeated. I thought there was some good imagery. Overall, I thought this book lacked some content, the story line was well described though.
Plot- This book was about a young boy who made his way from slavery to freedom. Soon after his travels, Pascal City and his brother went to the Freedman's Bureau. They received 40 acres of land outside of town. They build a house on a hill, grow cotton, and plant gardens. Later on, night riders come along and burn some farms within the area. At the end, the family gets a new chunk of land on an island by the coast.
Characterization- The main character in the book is Pascal City. He is an African American boy who escaped from his owners farm. The second main character is Gideon City, he was Pascals older brother. Mr. Freedman was also important in the book because he built the house that they lived in.
Setting- The main setting took place in Georgia on their 40 acres of land. The time period is right after the Civil War. Slaves were free, but still had to fight for their freedom. Pascal City had to move multiple times, because he would run away from white owners. Pascal City just wanted to settle and life happily.
Thematic- The main theme of this book is determination, the act of never giving up. In the book there is ups and downs. They never gave up, they alway pushed forward. The boys farm was taken away from the Night Riders, but they still moved on with their lives.
Recommendation- I recommend this book to anyone at a grade level of six and above. I suggest this book to a younger audience. They will understand more about the horrible lives African Americans had. I rate this book as a three out of five stars because it was an easy read and the vocabulary is pretty mild.
Plot- This book was about a young boy who made his way from slavery to freedom. Soon after his travels, Pascal City and his brother went to the Freedman's Bureau. They received 40 acres of land outside of town. They build a house on a hill, grow cotton, and plant gardens. Later on, night riders come along and burn some farms within the area. At the end, the family gets a new chunk of land on an island by the coast.
Characterization- The main character in the book is Pascal City. He is an African American boy who escaped from his owners farm. The second main character is Gideon City, he was Pascals older brother. Mr. Freedman was also important in the book because he built the house that they lived in.
Setting- The main setting took place in Georgia on their 40 acres of land. The time period is right after the Civil War. Slaves were free, but still had to fight for their freedom. Pascal City had to move multiple times, because he would run away from white owners. Pascal City just wanted to settle and life happily.
Thematic- The main theme of this book is determination, the act of never giving up. In the book there is ups and downs. They never gave up, they alway pushed forward. The boys farm was taken away from the Night Riders, but they still moved on with their lives.
Recommendation- I recommend this book to anyone at a grade level of six and above. I suggest this book to a younger audience. They will understand more about the horrible lives African Americans had. I rate this book as a three out of five stars because it was an easy read and the vocabulary is pretty mild.
January 3, 2010
Through the eyes of Pascal, a young black slave, we perceive the beginnings of the Reconstruction period of the South. Motivated by a promise of "forty acres and maybe a mule" by Circular 13 from the Bureau of Refugees, Pascal's brother Gideon enlightens his family and friends of the Emancipation Proclamation and convinces his younger brother to leave the plantation with him. Along the way, they search for other missing members of their family, make new friends, and find enemies. Joy builds as their farm comes together a piece at a time. Just when its nearly harvest time, a ruling that says slaves must give back their land comes out. Will the City family lose everything they have gained?
Readers come away with a clear picture of the life that has been fled, the continued injustice of racism, and frustration at the threat of impending loss. The humor, resilience, and hope of freed slaves are uplifting. Period details and realistic dialect add credibility to the characters and authenticity to the tale. An author's note presents facts that the story is based on; Robinet challenges readers to think about today's injustices against people of all kinds. A bibliography for further reading is appended.
Often wars are portrayed in historical fiction, not the act of rebuilding in the aftermath. Robinet's novel is a welcome change, and would work very well for classes studying the Civil War or African-American History.
Readers come away with a clear picture of the life that has been fled, the continued injustice of racism, and frustration at the threat of impending loss. The humor, resilience, and hope of freed slaves are uplifting. Period details and realistic dialect add credibility to the characters and authenticity to the tale. An author's note presents facts that the story is based on; Robinet challenges readers to think about today's injustices against people of all kinds. A bibliography for further reading is appended.
Often wars are portrayed in historical fiction, not the act of rebuilding in the aftermath. Robinet's novel is a welcome change, and would work very well for classes studying the Civil War or African-American History.
August 16, 2022
I came across this book in a thrift store. I'd never even heard of it before. It was a wonderful, heartbreaking read. I actually thought freed slaves WERE recipients of the land and implements to work it as they were promised.
Told from the perspective of a child who watches the line between hope and hopelessness being drawn, erased, redrawn to the whims of those holding the chalk. It's so important for our children to learn promises should be kept. It's also important to learn that as a nation we made so many promises that were broken, and those things are treated not as secrets just as unimportant, as not worth talking about. I wish I had known more when I was the age this book was intended for. I wish I'd had it to read to my children when they were younger so they could experience and understand the outrage as we watch more promises broken around us.
Told from the perspective of a child who watches the line between hope and hopelessness being drawn, erased, redrawn to the whims of those holding the chalk. It's so important for our children to learn promises should be kept. It's also important to learn that as a nation we made so many promises that were broken, and those things are treated not as secrets just as unimportant, as not worth talking about. I wish I had known more when I was the age this book was intended for. I wish I'd had it to read to my children when they were younger so they could experience and understand the outrage as we watch more promises broken around us.
April 5, 2013
This is a story of two young brothers growing up in the Reconstructive era. Pascal, who was born with a disabled arm and leg, and his brother Gideon heard the news of the Freedman’s Bureau awarding slaves 40 acres and a mule. After having run away, they embark on a journey to get what’s owed to them. They get their just due only for it to be taken away later. This story is full of acts of love, courage, and self-determination. A strong cast of characters including friends who join them on their journey and become like family make this book an enjoyable read for the whole family.
February 20, 2009
40 acres and a mule was the promise made to the freed slaves by the Republican party after the War between the states.
Ms. Robinet did a great job of researching this part of American History that has been passed over.
Attitudes didn't change just because of the war between whites and blacks and North & South.
Carpetbaggers, missionaries, teachers and soldiers along w/those who grew up in that area.
Ms. Robinet did a great job of researching this part of American History that has been passed over.
Attitudes didn't change just because of the war between whites and blacks and North & South.
Carpetbaggers, missionaries, teachers and soldiers along w/those who grew up in that area.
December 7, 2022
Really helpful and personal look at life for the black community during the reconstruction period. Used it to supplement our homeschool history.
Read
October 31, 2017Through the hardships of slavery and life on plantations, "Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule" tells a story of two African American brothers, Pascal and Gideon, and their experience through this time in the South. From death, war, and families getting split up, Harriette Robinet's book will have you feeling as if you were in the 1800's yourself!
Although this was a very well written, it was not an easy read. The author was very descriptive of the mistreatment slaves endured, but did a great job packing in a ton of information.For example, "land meant freedom" when referring to the forty acres of land that would be given to freed salves and white people willing to work. The book teaches about laws during these times, battles that were fought, and real historical events that took place. I enjoyed reading about the progression of freedom for the slaves and learning more about this time period.
In my future classroom, I would use this book in Social Studies for fourth or fifth graders to teach about the Civil War and slavery. This would be a great read aloud book for the class that would provide excellent opportunities to discuss dates, important events in history that led up to the freedom of slaves, and teaching about the truths of slavery and prejudice.
Although this was a very well written, it was not an easy read. The author was very descriptive of the mistreatment slaves endured, but did a great job packing in a ton of information.For example, "land meant freedom" when referring to the forty acres of land that would be given to freed salves and white people willing to work. The book teaches about laws during these times, battles that were fought, and real historical events that took place. I enjoyed reading about the progression of freedom for the slaves and learning more about this time period.
In my future classroom, I would use this book in Social Studies for fourth or fifth graders to teach about the Civil War and slavery. This would be a great read aloud book for the class that would provide excellent opportunities to discuss dates, important events in history that led up to the freedom of slaves, and teaching about the truths of slavery and prejudice.
May 21, 2022
Pascal is experiencing the transition from being a slave to being free. It is not easy for him to make this change because he felt lonely for the past couple year without his mom. “With Mama and Papa dead, and with Gideon gone and four other brothers sold years ago, Pascal had been alone” (10). After his brother Gideon told Pascal that he was free now they both went out on a journey to look for a “Freedman’s Bureau” but, Pascal was slowly losing hope the further the journey went on. “No place seemed to have a Freedmen’s Bureau; or if it did, no one would admit it” (22). Pascal view on freedom changes after receiving the 40 acres. ““Any boll weevils creeping near Gideon City farm,” began Gideon, “gonna shake and shiver till they little bitty eyes fall out””
This is a good book to pick up if you want to understand a better perspective on the slaves’ transition into freedom back then. This book helps us understand how hard life was for ex-slaves.
This is a good book to pick up if you want to understand a better perspective on the slaves’ transition into freedom back then. This book helps us understand how hard life was for ex-slaves.
October 15, 2017
The war was over. Gideon returns for his family. His mother was shot because she asked for more food for the slaves. Gideon tells Pascal and the others aout the work of President Lincoln and about General Sherman giving land and maybe a mule to slaves. The brothers set off to look for a Freedmen's Bureau. They finally find one, are persistent in claiming some land, (there was not mule). They work hard to take care of it and build a farm and home. They offer home and work to others who make their way past their property.
Of course, the land is given to someone else. The brothers, and the story, remain optimistic as the brothers head toward Georgia's Sea Islands.
The book includes an author's note and bibliography.
Of course, the land is given to someone else. The brothers, and the story, remain optimistic as the brothers head toward Georgia's Sea Islands.
The book includes an author's note and bibliography.
December 22, 2018
Would rate at 3.5 stars. This covers the very beginning of Reconstruction. The brothers find land, make a farm work with several hired laborers, find gold (not believable), and then lose their land at the end, including the stuff they had farmed. It was sad to see them so mistreated, but I'm also glad that they portrayed some of the whites (the Northerners who risked their lives and health to come down South to serve the freed slaves and the poorer Southerners who also needed help) as sympathetic and helpful. I have no sympathies for the slaveholders in the South, and books like this one confirm and strengthen my antipathies towards them. I wonder if the book would have been strengthened by leaving it on a more positive note that they actually do make it work in the Islands?
December 18, 2021
Oh wow, what a harrowing journey with these wonderful, overly optimistic, hard-working, and somehow still cheerful people!
Difficult to listen to, especially near the end. The cover illustration looked like a children/s book, but IMO, kids would need adult guidance as very upsetting. I knew reconstruction was a terrible period, but this book and especially its epilogue/explainer at the end, really made the horrors and murdering unfairness clearer to me.
If the people living then, especially the Blacks, could have looked ahead to our present day with its very slow, halting progress toward equality, i wonder what they could have, would have, done differently. I hope there's a continuation of this story.
Overdrive audio @ normal speed
Difficult to listen to, especially near the end. The cover illustration looked like a children/s book, but IMO, kids would need adult guidance as very upsetting. I knew reconstruction was a terrible period, but this book and especially its epilogue/explainer at the end, really made the horrors and murdering unfairness clearer to me.
If the people living then, especially the Blacks, could have looked ahead to our present day with its very slow, halting progress toward equality, i wonder what they could have, would have, done differently. I hope there's a continuation of this story.
Overdrive audio @ normal speed
August 30, 2020
I read this entire book yesterday. It's a juvenile novel, but I highly recommend it to all, no matter how old you are. Read it to your littles, get it for your kids to read to themselves, buy it for you and all of your adult friends to read. This story is THAT IMPORTANT.
If you never knew these kinds of things happened in the United States, then of course you won't understand what's happening in the U.S. today with the Black Lives Matter movement. It's time to stop denigrating the movement and start seeking to understand why it's needed. In short, READ THIS BOOK.
If you never knew these kinds of things happened in the United States, then of course you won't understand what's happening in the U.S. today with the Black Lives Matter movement. It's time to stop denigrating the movement and start seeking to understand why it's needed. In short, READ THIS BOOK.
November 26, 2017
The book is a short, poignant story of a young boy. He was given freedom, family and land of his own- only to lose the latter as in an attempt to subject them to slavery once again.
Throughout the trials and the hardships, Pascal and his family do one thing; they keep being joyful. “Giveth, taketh away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.”
For content, see the BookSeeker
Throughout the trials and the hardships, Pascal and his family do one thing; they keep being joyful. “Giveth, taketh away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.”
For content, see the BookSeeker
August 12, 2022
I liked this book better than any other Robinet books I've tried. Something still feels off about the dialect - maybe that is how people spoke at that time? Or not. But I was torn between thinking the book was for readers on the younger side of 8-12 (plot, language, more didactic than subtle) and worrying that it was too graphically violent for youngers (a matter-of-fact accounting of a cold-blooded murder, news about lynchings).
Unsure.
Unsure.
December 7, 2019
Finally read FORTY ACRES AND MAYBE A MULE by Harriette Gillem Robinet. Embarrassed that we've allowed it to sit on the bookshelf for years. Now, days after reading it collectively (as a team), we are still melding with themes and conflicts--and truths that this middle grade, historical fiction not only delivers but nails. Too powerful not to share. 5-star. @JozefSyndicate #JozefBookandBrew
July 12, 2020
Heartbreaking and joyful at the same time, this work of fiction yet teaches me about a time in our country's history that I'm still just learning about: the period of Reconstruction. This is an era that American history textbooks don't touch. Still asking myself: why are all these books about Black history feeling so contemporary?
January 22, 2021
I would really give it a 3.5. It was interesting to learn about how it was during the time right after slavery was abolished. There were a lot of things that I didn't know. It did seem a little slow at first but there were so many little snippets that were great. It speaks to the resilience of the slaves and the strength they had. The narrator of the audio book did a good job.
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