This picture book is perfect for sharing during farmers' market season, especially when pumpkins are ripe. A boy and his Papa head to the last remaining stall at the farmers' market with their pumpkins, peppers, plums and eggs. A year ago, there were two vendors. The year before there were five. The community still needs the fresh produce and the boy and his Papa head to the market every Saturday while Granny makes baskets from sweetgrass on the front porch of the farmhouse. Familiar, friendly faces start lining up and their orders are ready before they even have to ask. There are ripe green peppers for Mr. Johnny and a special delivery of plums for Mrs. Brown.
Papa's hands are wrinkled, and his hair is gray and thin. His movements are slow and steady. One Saturday, Papa is too tired to harvest and gather. The boy will harvest and gather, get everything to the market, set up the stall, and make deliveries on his own. He goes through the routine and discovers that the people who count on their fresh produce have made special items for Papa to help him get well. The market community has come full circle and on the last page of the book a new stand is open for business.
There's an Author's Note at the end of the book that shares how the heartbreak of Black farmers in America has been turned into a story about a boy and his grandfather who have the last stand at a farmers' market in a community that can't afford to lose it. Access to fresh and affordable groceries is an ever-present struggle and this shows how farmers are necessary to keep America fed.