In Antwan Eady’s The Last Stand (Knopf, Jan. 30), which was selected for our list of the best picture books of 2024, a boy and his father grapple with the effects of discrimination on Black farmers and their communities. While this is a heavy theme for young readers, Eady’s prose and the illustrations by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey make this an accessible and heartwarming story about the importance of family. As Eady writes in his author’s note, “Land is complex, as is our relationship with it, but land is love, too. Its soil is rich. And if we are to bring beauty back to our world, we must first reckon with the truth…as complicated as it may be.” Eady recently answered our questions by email.

In our review of The Last Stand, we wrote that it’s “an ode to and a eulogy for Black American farms.” Why did you decide to take on this subject?

Black-owned and operated farms account for less than 2% of farms in the United States. That percentage was much higher decades ago, and it’s a direct result of Black farmers being discriminated against and denied the benefits of federal programs and loans. Taking on this subject was my way of continuing that conversation while also letting young dreamers know that it’s aspirational to say, “I want to be a farmer.” 

What was the original idea that started you working on the book? 

Home. Oftentimes, it begins with home for me. I’m from the dirt roads of South Carolina, and I grew up in a self-sustaining community similar to what readers see in The Last Stand. I wanted to honor that experience and my community. 

Where and when did you write The Last Stand? Describe the scene, the time of day, the necessary accoutrements or talismans.

It was written in 2020, after a year or so [of it] sitting in my notes app. I was working in animal medicine then, so I often wrote at my desk in the evening. On my desk was a copy of Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey’s The Old Truck, among other books that gave me permission to tell this story. Because of the time, at the height of the pandemic, writing at home was new for me—my norm didn’t exist. Everything was changing. But that change allowed me to stretch my writing muscles. Though I do remember having my pens (black, blue, and red) and yellow highlighter with me. That will never change. 

In the author’s note, you write, “This book is a love letter.” To whom is this love letter addressed, and what do you hope readers will get out of it?

It’s a love letter to all farmers, especially those who continue to serve their communities. I hope readers will continue thanking our farmers by supporting them and pouring into them the way they pour into us. 

What was most challenging about writing this book? And most rewarding?

The most challenging part was writing my author letter. To do it justice, I had to revisit my “why,” which meant I had to discuss the history of what Black farmers have faced. I didn’t want readers to step away from our book feeling burdened by that truth. On the other hand, the most rewarding part was finishing that letter and filling it with joy and truth. 

What books published in 2024 were among your favorites?

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long. The Table by Wiley Blevins, Winsome Bingham, and illustrator Jason Griffin. It’s Pride, Baby! by Allen R. Wells and illustrator Dia Valle. Emergency Quarters by Carlos Matias and illustrator Gracey Zhang. Sydney’s Big Speech by Malcolm Newsome and illustrator Jade Orlando. Bao’s Doll by Bo Lu. 

Dan Nolan is an Indie editorial assistant.