Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Ratings44
Average rating4
15
Ratings44
Average rating4
Winner of the Newbery Medal, this remarkably moving novel has impressed the hearts and minds of millions of readers. Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family's struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie's story—Cassie Logan, an independent girl who discovers over the course of an important year why having land of their own is so crucial to the Logan family, even as she learns to draw strength from her own sense of dignity and self-respect. * "[A] vivid story.... Entirely through its own internal development, the novel shows the rich inner rewards of black pride, love, and independence."—Booklist, starred review
Reviews with the most likes.
Rereading this as an adult definitely reinforced the love I had for it in middle school. It's always dangerous revisiting childhood favorites, but this was a fantastic experience.
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This was assigned reading for my 7th grade Language Arts class, and I remember liking it so much I breezed through the 3-week reading schedule and finished the first weekend. Hoping to reread soon!
Nine year old Cassie and her brothers Stacey, Christopher-John, and Little Man must walk to school each day while the white students caught the bus to their all-white school in 1930s Mississippi. The Logan family is one of the few black families in the region who own their land, but neighboring white plantation owner Harlan Granger wants it for himself. In an area where race relations are often volatile and always unjust, the Logan children must learn what it means to be strong and proud of their heritage in a world that views them as worthless. I think that this novel is a powerful tool for illustrating not only a dark and difficult time in America's history, but the small personal triumphs that can occur when families stick together and work hard to maintain their dignity. Highly recommended for all readers.
I read this book years ago, for a high school assignment. It left a lasting impression on me, and I appreciate it so much more as an adult. This book hits hard.
My one complaint is Cassie's big mouth getting herself in trouble. But she's like 8, so it fits.
Roll of Thunder is a reread (or, to be more exact, a re-listen). I loved it the first time and I loved it this time. It's the kind of book I now want to push off on everyone I meet.
It's a story of the horrible effects of racism, but it is also much more than that. It's the story of the struggles of a family to keep their land, to be good citizens and human beings, to have children that are good citizens and good human beings. I marveled at the character of Mama and Papa who never gave up their fight. I was happy to see Mr. Morrison in the story, a white man who dared to flaunt the social norms for the higher principles of justice. I was sad to watch T.J. fall prey to greed and pride.
What a great story! I keep wanting to alert Oprah. Wouldn't it be fun to have an Oprah read that kids could read, too?
Featured Series
7 primary books8 released booksLogans is a 8-book series with 7 primary works first released in 1975 with contributions by Mildred D. Taylor.
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