Michael Fickett - The 12-year-old narrator and son of a minister. He has a close relationship with his adopted younger brother Edgar Allan.

Edgar Allan - A young black boy adopted by the white Fickett family, causing controversy and backlash in their small town.

Reverend Fickett - The father of the family and a minister, who initially supports adopting Edgar but later succumbs to pressure from his congregation.

Mary Nell Fickett - Michael's older sister who strongly opposes the adoption of Edgar due to the town's racism.

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Transracial Adoption
The novel centers around a white family, the Ficketts, who adopt a young Black boy named Edgar Allan. It depicts the family's struggles to adapt and the racism they face from their community after the adoption.

Racism and Prejudice
A major theme is the overt racism and prejudice the family encounters from their neighbors, church congregation, and even extended family members due to their adoption of a Black child. The novel highlights the deep-rooted racial tensions and biases present in society.

Family Dynamics
The book examines the strain the adoption puts on the Fickett family dynamics and relationships. The children, especially the teenage daughter Mary Nell, struggle to accept Edgar Allan, ultimately leading to a rift in the family.

Community Pressure
The novel explores how societal pressures and the intolerant attitudes of their community impact the family's ability to successfully integrate Edgar Allan, eventually leading them to return him to the orphanage.

Loss of Innocence
Through the eyes of the young narrator Michael Fickett, the novel depicts the loss of innocence and disillusionment he experiences as he witnesses the cruelty and prejudices of the adult world.

In essence, Edgar Allan by John Neufeld is a poignant examination of the challenges interracial families faced due to widespread racism and intolerance in society during the time it was written.

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"Edgar Allan" was one of the early works to tackle the sensitive topics of racial discrimination and transracial adoption in young adult literature.

It is considered to have had a strong influence on its audience, addressing important social issues in a way that resonated with young readers.

Despite being published over 50 years ago, the themes explored in "Edgar Allan" continue to be pertinent in discussions about race, adoption, and social justice.

The novel is often included in discussions of significant works of young adult literature, particularly those addressing social issues.

Overall, "Edgar Allan" is generally perceived as a pioneering and impactful young adult novel that brought important discussions about race and adoption to the forefront of literature for younger readers.

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