I remember reading this book in middle school and high school. So, I was about 12-14 years old. I know I've read it more than once. It was required for a Reading Program. The story of an African-American family is told through the eyes and words of a 10-year old girl, Cassie Logan. She tells how her family battles poverty, racism, and abuse in the Deep South in the 1930s. This book is a very easy read and will capture your attention. You will really care about this family after reading this book, and you will have a different view on African-Americans during this time if you only have a vague understanding. When I was reading about the cruel things that African-Americans were going through at that time, it saddened me because I was 12-14 years old when I was reading the book. I didn't understand why black people were going through the things they went through. If you are a parent and you want your child to learn about black history and how blacks have overcome, pick up this book and hand it to him or her. They may even be required to read it in school.