Mildred D. Taylor - Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: A Literature Unit

Focusing on the struggles and triumphs of the Logans, a poor African-American family, ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY explores themes of racism, family heritage, sacrifice, pride, and accountability in Depression-era Mississippi. The Logans live on land they own, and although half of it is still mortgaged to the bank, the family considers the land their legacy. That legacy is put in danger when nine-year-old Cassie's parents help organize a boycott against the local market. Published in 1976, the book was inspired by stories Mildred D. Taylor heard growing up and by her own family history, which like that of the Logans, includes ancestors who were slaves. Though she stresses that the story is not autobiographical, Taylor has also said the book is an acknowledgement of the difficult lives, and many sacrifices, of the generations before hers--generations that ultimately paved the way for the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Winner of the 1977 Newbery Award.