"The stories in Five-Carat Soul...spring from the place where identity, humanity, and history converge...McBride explores the ways we learn from the world and the people around us. An antiques dealer discovers that a legendary toy commissioned by Civil War General Robert E. Lee now sits in the home of a black minister in Queens. Five strangers find themselves thrown together and face unexpected judgment. An American president draws inspiration from a conversation he overhears in a stable. And members of The Five-Carat Soul Bottom Bone Band recount stories from their own messy and hilarious lives."--

Under Graham railroad box car set -- Buck boy -- Ray-Ray's picture box -- Blub -- Goat -- Father Abe -- Moaning bench -- Christmas dance -- Fish man angel -- Mr. P & the wind