The story, set in Kansas during the 1920's, covers less than a year in the life of a black teenager, and documents the veritable deluge of events which force him into sudden manhood. The family relationships and enmities, the fears, frustrations and ambitions of the black teenager in small-town America are explored with a strong statement about human values.

Sarah

Kirky

Uncle Rob

Silas Newhall

Booker Savage

Judge Cavanaugh

Miss McClintock

Big Mabel

Doc Tim Cravens

Spikey

McCormack

Jake Kiner

Prissy

Jappy

Harley Davis, Defense Attorney
August 6, 1969

Sarah

Kirky

Uncle Rob

Silas Newhall

Booker Savage

Judge Cavanaugh

Miss McClintock

Big Mabel

Doc Tim Cravens

Spikey

McCormack

Jake Kiner

Prissy

Jappy

Harley Davis, Defense Attorney
