Backgrounds to Blackamerican literature Book

This is the 3rd time I've read this, once each with 3 kids, at about age 7. It's well done. Two of the kids were more book-learning oriented and did well with the book. The other child preferred to learn by asking questions, which is also fine. The book started prompting that child's questions. I like the Biblical imagery of a garden. I think I also may re-read part of it to the older two kids - the part about the candy store.