64 pages 2 hours read

Mildred D. Taylor

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1976

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In 1933 Mississippi, 9-year-old Cassie Logan and her family experience systemic racism and violence while striving to maintain their independence and dignity. Cassie and her brothers face challenges at school from white students and later dig a trench to sabotage a school bus. They navigate the dangers of resisting local store owners and racial injustice, culminating in a tense and violent confrontation involving a friend named T.J.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is widely lauded for its poignant depiction of racial injustices in 1930s Mississippi. Readers praise its compelling characters and the strong, loving Logan family. Some criticisms include a slower pace and dense historical context, which may be challenging for younger readers. Overall, it's a powerful, educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction dealing with themes of racism, family, and resilience will be drawn to Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Fans of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird or Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars will find similar emotional depth and educational value. Ideal for middle-grade to young adult readers.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

920L

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Topics

Race / Racism

Education

History: World

Genre

Children's Literature

Education

Historical Fiction