Robinet cultivates a kindhearted and reliable African-American boy, Moses Lincoln Christmas, as the protagonist. Welleducated, he can read and write—gifts for any slave. These skills elevate Moses into his leadership role in the colony.

Robinet uses a first person point-of-view so that readers "may understand slavery and how it affected slave and master." This viewpoint allows readers to hear Moses' distinct voice and dialect, which add to the effectiveness of the historical account. The insights shared highlight the theme of slavery and self-worth.

Robinet amplifies Moses' thoughts to draw in readers. The title, If You Please, President Lincoln, fits the novel well. As the story begins, Moses expresses an urgent hope that President Lincoln will read his account of the Isle a Vache colony. This plea introduces readers to Moses' sense of responsibility and conscientiousness. As the story develops, Moses describes slave...