The Last Stand

by Antwan Eady (Author) Jarrett Pumphrey (Illustrator)

The Last Stand
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
The author of Nigel and the Moondelivers 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.
Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus

Starred Review
A sumptuously illustrated, bittersweet story that’s at once an ode to and a eulogy for Black American farms.

None

The plight of Black farmers takes center stage in this affecting picture book.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

The last farmer's market stand in a close-knit Black community is run by the young narrator's grandfather, Papa, who sells eggs, peppers, plums, and pumpkins to faithful customers: "Don't worry. I've got ripe green peppers, just for you," Papa tells one. Eady (Nigel and the Moon) employs the child's keen observations ("Papa's hair is gray and thin. His movements slow and steady") to help readers understand that the man is aging ("Y'all coming later and later," says Mrs. Brown, when Papa and the narrator deliver plums after the stand closes). One Saturday, Papa's "too tired," and the young narrator works out how to keep the stand going. A wobbly first attempt on Granny's bike gives way to a successful second try involving a wagon; this quiet victory also signals a narrative turnabout as the community for whom Papa has long offered sustenance finds a way to provide for--and gather with--him, instead. In illustrations created with handmade stamps, the Pumphrey brothers (There Was a Party for Langston) convey a feeling of community-created abundance as the narrator reflects on family history in this intergenerational story that hints at larger sociopolitical issues. An author's note concludes. Ages 3-7. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrators' agent: Hannah Mann, Writers House. (Jan.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

★ "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 celebratory love letter and a solemn apology to Black farmers." —The Bulletin 

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593480571
Lexile Measure
540
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date
January 30, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV025000 - Juvenile Fiction | Lifestyles | Farm Life & Ranch Life
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
Library of Congress categories
African Americans
Picture books
Family life
Community life
Family-owned business enterprises
Helpfulness
Farmers' markets

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