Robinet fleshes out this specific episode of the Reconstruction with a quintet of characters, each having strengths and weaknesses. Pascal, a twelve-year-old slave with a crippled leg and arm, is the likable narrator of the story. He is charming as he amuses Nelly and Judith, his two friends, with terrible puns. His generosity and kindness towards the poor, white Bibbs family has great appeal. Falling asleep in the cotton rows or sneaking away from the field are realistic reactions to the fatigue, hard work, and withering Georgia sun. The reader quickly empathizes and identifies with him.

Pascal progresses from a tag-along little brother to a problem solver. His quick thinking saves Gideon after he falls through a dilapidated bridge. He also rescues Gideon from a confrontation with a white man. A clever youth, Pascal asks Michael and Judith to play near Green Gloryland so...