Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule

Harriette Gillem Robinet

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule

Harriette Gillem Robinet
44 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 1998

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Harriette Gillem Robinet

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction
Period
Reconstruction Era
Setting

Southern United States • 1860s

Theme
Perseverance

Disability

Race
Topic
Social Justice
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Gillem Robinet follows the journey of newly freed individuals after the Civil War as they seek land and a fresh start. Set during the Reconstruction era, the narrative explores themes of hope, resilience, and the challenges faced in the pursuit of promised opportunities.

Hopeful

Inspirational

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

945 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Gillem Robinet is praised for its engaging, poignant portrayal of Reconstruction-era challenges. Readers appreciate its historical accuracy and compelling characters. Some critique its simplified narrative, but it remains a valuable read for younger audiences, offering a meaningful exploration of freedom and perseverance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule?

Readers interested in Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Gillem Robinet are often drawn to historical novels exploring post-Civil War America and Reconstruction. They may enjoy works like Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor, which also delves into African American resilience and justice.

4.1

945 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

A 12-year-old boy with physical disabilities who uses his observant mind and resourcefulness to protect his makeshift family during Reconstruction.

Pascal's older brother, a former Union Army soldier driven by a desire for land ownership as a path to freedom.

An eight-year-old girl whose resilience and wisdom provide emotional support and a sense of freedom for her companions.

A wise elder whose carpentry skills and practical wisdom support and guide the family through their struggles.

A young girl from a poor white family who forms a supportive friendship with Pascal and Nelly, highlighting solidarity across racial lines.

Mr. Freedman’s granddaughter, whose joyful presence and herbal knowledge help the family, particularly in her relationship with Gideon.

A displaced white family whose cooperation with the City family exemplifies mutual support and friendship during difficult times.

A group of characters representing the violent opposition to Black progress during Reconstruction, embodying racism and resistance to change.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction
Period
Reconstruction Era
Setting

Southern United States • 1860s

Theme
Perseverance

Disability

Race
Topic
Social Justice
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,800+ additional titles.