Though Jesse is small at only seven years old, he is determined to be the straw beater at this year’s corn husking. Though slaves worked hard, they were awarded one night of fun and celebration at the end of the harvest. Jesse celebrates with the rest as his dream of straw beater comes true. ( )

Jess is determined to be the strawbeater at the next celebration. He does everything within his power to be the strawbeater.

The book would be useful in a discussion about determination, goals, and hard work. ( )

All Jess wants to do is become a Strawbeater and help the fiddler in the corn shucking process on their one night to celebrate. Nathaniel has always been the Strwbeater and is reluctant to give it up. The fiddler sees how persistant Jess is to become the Strawbeater and grants him the honor. ( )