what problem is faced by the protagonist? How does she/he resolve the problem?

Nine year old Cassie is our protagonist in the novel. Her problem is an internal one, she wants nothing more than to be able to go to school, be friends with everyone, own nice books to, and simply enjoy the rights and have the respect that all human beings are entitled to.

Cassie's inner conflict begins as she realizes that because of her color, right or wrong, these rights do not extend to her. She solves her problem by refusing to accept the rules put on her by others and learning to embrace her sense of identity. Part of her identity is directly related to the ownership of land (her father's) and pride in that ownership. The sacrifice her father makes in order to create unity (the fire) supports that identity.