In rural south Alabama in 1948, whites picked on one side of the cotton field and blacks on the other. In A Yellow Watermelon, twelve-year-old Ted meets Poudlum, a black boy his own age, where the fields meet. Poudlum teaches Ted how to endure the hard work while they bond and go on to integrate the field. Ted learns of evil forces gathering to deprive Poudlum's family of their property. The two boys encounter danger and suspense while saving Poudlum's family and discovering a great secret of enlightenment.