On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there's nothing like going down home.

Down home is Granny's house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will join grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in a rich celebration of family history. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them.

And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to family history. Sis will sing "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," Granny's favorite song. Isaiah will read "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. Devin has made a scrapbook in Granny's favorite color blue. But what will Lil Alan do?

From the dust jacket