"Them Simmses ain't never been nothing but trouble."

During a drought, the Logan family shares their well water with their neighbors, black and white alike. But David's brother Hammer finds it hard to share with Charlie Simms, who torments them because they are black. Hammer's pride and Charlie's meanness are a dangerous combination, and tensions between the boys build and build -- until they explode.


"A compelling novel about prejudice and the saving power of human dignigy."
--School Library Journal, starred review

** An ALA Notable Book
** An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"