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Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry: By Mildred D. Taylor
Book by Krueser, Carmela M
58 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 15, 2015
Really an excellent story, well written. The time, the childhood, the characters, the scenery, all were very beautifully done. Very real, humane, truthful. The book relates a black girl and her family as she grows in awareness of the southern racism of the thirties. Along the way the story grows and grows as it observes hate and love vying for various hearts. There are moral tales within the greater story as children make choices and face consequences. The adults say more as they say little. There are other lessons in here, such as: don't talk too much- you don't know how the words you loose will be transmitted by others and you have no control over them by then. An important book that feels as if it is truthful and not just a book of agendas. It is a valuable reminder of what we must never forget. I want both of my children reading this, and my grandchildren, on down.
May 30, 2022
very boring and dragging
December 29, 2020
I have been reading this book for school. I didn't really think I would enjoy it, but I actually did! It was humorous and fun to read. However, I'm giving it a 4.0 because at times there were plot points that were hard to understand, and too many characters that were added at the same time. But I really enjoyed it! I definitely recommend it.
October 3, 2016
Best for 14+
Brings lots of tears even for those like me who hardly ever cry over books!
Brings lots of tears even for those like me who hardly ever cry over books!
March 25, 2023
Nice short read. Taylor's descriptions create vivid scenes. My kids really like it.
May 9, 2024
Mildred D. Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," which won the esteemed Newbery Medal, is an engaging and thought-provoking book that is mostly meant for middle-grade readers and older audiences. Readers are taken to the racially uncertain setting of Mississippi during the Great Depression in "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry," where they follow the Logan family—especially young Cassie Logan—as they deal with prejudice, injustice, and violence in their neighborhood. The book examines prejudice, resiliency, and the pursuit of justice in the face of injustice from Cassie's perspective. Mildred D. Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" is a well-loved children's book due to its compelling storytelling, vividly rendered characters, and moving depiction of historical events. Readers learn about the difficult conditions African Americans faced in the Jim Crow South and the perseverance and morality of those who battled for equality through the stories of the Logan family. The book's power to arouse compassion, bravery, and a passion for social justice is what draws readers in. Readers are drawn into the world of the Logan family by Taylor's moving words and striking imagery, where they see acts of defiance, friendship, and hope in the face of hardship. "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" can be used by parents or educators to start conversations on racism, inequality, and the value of friendship and empathy. The book is a useful teaching tool for history, identity, and social responsibility because of its themes of resilience, family, and the fight for dignity, which speak to readers of all ages. All things considered, "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" is a classic and essential book that captivates readers with its stirring story, endearing characters, and eternal lessons of courage and determination. Its lasting appeal and literary brilliance have granted it a rightful position as a beloved classic in children's literature.
March 3, 2023
Hoci je Počuj môj plač od Mildred D. Taylor dielo určené pre mladších čitateľov, je v nej toho toľko, čo by nikto nemal zažiť… Zlomilo mi srdce, ako deväťročné černošské dievčatko Cassie, vyrastajúce v Amerike v 30. rokoch minulého storočia, rozpráva o rasizme, ktorému čelí, no nerozumie.
Jej detský mozog nedokáže pochopiť, prečo nemôže nastúpiť do školského autobusu pre bielych žiakov, keďže pre černošské deti žiadny vyčlenený nie je, ale musí chodiť za vzdelaním aj tri hodiny peši. Nerozumie, prečo sa musí učiť len zo starých, špinavých a rozpadnutých učebníc, ktoré bieli vyradili. Nechápe ani to, prečo hoci prišla do obchodu prvá, predavač ju nechá čakať viac ako hodinu, kým obslúži bielych zákazníkov. Každý deň sa stretáva s krutosťou, ponižovaním, čo jazví jej krehkú detskú dušičku.
Hoci už ubehlo niekoľko desaťročí od zrušenia otroctva, jej rodina sa musí poriadne obracať, aby si udržala svoj kus pôdy, na ktorom hospodári a ktorý jej právom patrí. A to sú ešte z tých šťastnejších, čo vôbec nejakú pôdu vlastnia a nie sú až tak vykorisťovaní ako ich menej šťastní druhovia…
„Vieš, dieťa moje, nemôžeme si vybrať ani farbu pleti, ani rodičov, ani to, či sme bohatí a či chudobní. Musíme si však vedieť vybrať spôsob, akým chceme prežiť svoj život… A ja sa modlím, aby si si vybrala ten najlepší."
„Byť bielym znamená niečo, práve tak ako byť čiernym. Každý človek, ktorý príde na svet, niečo znamená a nikto na svete, bez ohľadu na to, akú má farbu, nie je lepší od iných.”
Počuj môj plač je dôležitý, výborne napísaný príbeh, nevinnými detskými očami upozorňuje na témy, ktoré by vôbec nemali existovať.
Jej detský mozog nedokáže pochopiť, prečo nemôže nastúpiť do školského autobusu pre bielych žiakov, keďže pre černošské deti žiadny vyčlenený nie je, ale musí chodiť za vzdelaním aj tri hodiny peši. Nerozumie, prečo sa musí učiť len zo starých, špinavých a rozpadnutých učebníc, ktoré bieli vyradili. Nechápe ani to, prečo hoci prišla do obchodu prvá, predavač ju nechá čakať viac ako hodinu, kým obslúži bielych zákazníkov. Každý deň sa stretáva s krutosťou, ponižovaním, čo jazví jej krehkú detskú dušičku.
Hoci už ubehlo niekoľko desaťročí od zrušenia otroctva, jej rodina sa musí poriadne obracať, aby si udržala svoj kus pôdy, na ktorom hospodári a ktorý jej právom patrí. A to sú ešte z tých šťastnejších, čo vôbec nejakú pôdu vlastnia a nie sú až tak vykorisťovaní ako ich menej šťastní druhovia…
„Vieš, dieťa moje, nemôžeme si vybrať ani farbu pleti, ani rodičov, ani to, či sme bohatí a či chudobní. Musíme si však vedieť vybrať spôsob, akým chceme prežiť svoj život… A ja sa modlím, aby si si vybrala ten najlepší."
„Byť bielym znamená niečo, práve tak ako byť čiernym. Každý človek, ktorý príde na svet, niečo znamená a nikto na svete, bez ohľadu na to, akú má farbu, nie je lepší od iných.”
Počuj môj plač je dôležitý, výborne napísaný príbeh, nevinnými detskými očami upozorňuje na témy, ktoré by vôbec nemali existovať.
May 31, 2018
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is an excellent and well-written story about the Logan family and their struggle to keep the land that they have worked hard for. This novel is set in the 1930’s when discrimination was in full swing. Cassie Logan is the main character that lives on 400 acres of land with her three brothers, mother, father, and grandmother. The majority of the story is based on their land because it once belonged to a white family, the Grangers, therefore it brings a lot of controversy into the story. Diversity is shown when trouble strikes and racial tensions get thrown into the mix and become more and more of a problem as the story goes on. The Grangers do everything in their power to try and get their land back, despite what might be a wrongful action. A strength that I noticed was the detailed writing; it made me feel more involved in the story than normal. I felt as if I was watching a movie because the writer did so well with providing a good description of the story. A weakness that I noticed was the popular use of the “n-word”. I think that because this is a young adult book, the “n-word” should’ve been avoided as much as possible, although I understand that the author’s intentions were mainly to convey realistic descriptions rather than cause harm to anyone.
March 2, 2023
WOW...what a trip down memory lane! I believe I read this book when I was 10 or 11 years old, and I must say that it was truly impactful in my view of the world. Re-reading it at 55 was an eye opener. There was a LOT in the book that made me super emotional now, so I can't even imagine what I was feeling at such a young age.
I love the way the author uses the character's voices to portray who is speaking. Whether it is Cassie, Stacey, Little Man, or that spoiled white brat Lillian Jean, we can feel the voice and understand the meaning.
So many things happen in this book that should never happen in the real world. It just broke my heart to see how NOT far we had come in the 1930's in terms of racism and equality. Even now in 2023, we are still not where we should be.
As Mama says: "Baby, we have no choice of what color we're born with or who our parents are or whether we're rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we're here. And I pray to God you'll make the most of yours."
The best part of my re-read was discovering that there are also 3 prequels and 4 sequels, so I will be digging into all of those this year as well.
I love the way the author uses the character's voices to portray who is speaking. Whether it is Cassie, Stacey, Little Man, or that spoiled white brat Lillian Jean, we can feel the voice and understand the meaning.
So many things happen in this book that should never happen in the real world. It just broke my heart to see how NOT far we had come in the 1930's in terms of racism and equality. Even now in 2023, we are still not where we should be.
As Mama says: "Baby, we have no choice of what color we're born with or who our parents are or whether we're rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we're here. And I pray to God you'll make the most of yours."
The best part of my re-read was discovering that there are also 3 prequels and 4 sequels, so I will be digging into all of those this year as well.
January 22, 2024
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE.
I can remember my fifth grade teacher Mrs. Woods reading this book to the class after lunchbreak with the lights in the class turned off & the entire class quiet as we listened intently to what was being read. I can still recall the reactions of my classmates when T.J. was taken by non-black folks who felt he had offended them & how these same non-black folks torched the land of the Logan family. There had been gasps, Oh-My-Goshes whispered, & even some tears shed.
I wonder does my 5th Grade teacher Mrs. Woods know that by her introducing me to this author Mildred D. Taylor's work as well as some of the not-so fictious stories that People of Color experienced in mostly the southern states, but not only relegated to the South opened my eyes to a whole other world, &LITERALLY CHANGED MY VIEWPOINTS ON HOW I FELT TOWARDS SUCH BEHAVIORS BLACK PEOPLE HAD FACED & SADLY CONTINUE TO FACE AT THE HANDS OF NON-BLACK FOLKS.
At that moment, Mildred D. Taylor BECAME MY ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR & STILL IS!
JUST AMAZING!
I can remember my fifth grade teacher Mrs. Woods reading this book to the class after lunchbreak with the lights in the class turned off & the entire class quiet as we listened intently to what was being read. I can still recall the reactions of my classmates when T.J. was taken by non-black folks who felt he had offended them & how these same non-black folks torched the land of the Logan family. There had been gasps, Oh-My-Goshes whispered, & even some tears shed.
I wonder does my 5th Grade teacher Mrs. Woods know that by her introducing me to this author Mildred D. Taylor's work as well as some of the not-so fictious stories that People of Color experienced in mostly the southern states, but not only relegated to the South opened my eyes to a whole other world, &LITERALLY CHANGED MY VIEWPOINTS ON HOW I FELT TOWARDS SUCH BEHAVIORS BLACK PEOPLE HAD FACED & SADLY CONTINUE TO FACE AT THE HANDS OF NON-BLACK FOLKS.
At that moment, Mildred D. Taylor BECAME MY ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR & STILL IS!
JUST AMAZING!
February 22, 2022
I feel like this book can really teach us a lot about the events that have happened in the past. I believe it's very important to learn about black history in this world and how our ancestors have overcome prejudice. Without the struggles they've gone through, we wouldn't be in such a diverse world now. It's important to learn what pain and mistreatment they've experienced for their future generations, therefore we should respect and be grateful for their courage. Some chapters in this book may cause some discomfort for some readers because of the violence, or maybe what they've gone through themselves or what their family members have gone through. Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry is a great choice for us to learn about the importance of black history, and therefore feel grateful for our ancestors. I would give this book a 4.5 rating if it was available because the use of colloquialisms and regional slang of that time made it a little difficult for me to read.
May 27, 2022
In the 1930s, in America, the Logan family is one of the few African-American families that aren't sharecropping. The story is narrated by ten-year-old Cassie Logan. She has three brothers, and they aren't the MOST obedient. But when there is a crisis, their family comes together as one.
I have become very attached to the characters throughout reading this book. My personal favorite is Stacey because he takes care of his siblings and is amiable toward TJ, even though TJ takes advantage of him.
This leads to my least favorite character, TJ. TJ manipulates Stacey, then he starts hanging out with the older Simm brothers. The Simms lure TJ into a trap, and when TJ gets injured, he runs back to Stacey.
I really enjoyed this book, but I am only giving it four stars because I felt that it dragged along a little too long.
I have become very attached to the characters throughout reading this book. My personal favorite is Stacey because he takes care of his siblings and is amiable toward TJ, even though TJ takes advantage of him.
This leads to my least favorite character, TJ. TJ manipulates Stacey, then he starts hanging out with the older Simm brothers. The Simms lure TJ into a trap, and when TJ gets injured, he runs back to Stacey.
I really enjoyed this book, but I am only giving it four stars because I felt that it dragged along a little too long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
I would recommend this book as an Upper Key Stage 2 book. As the protagonist and narrator is a 9 year old girl, it may possibly appeal more to girls than boys (though not necessarily). Set in 1930s Mississippi at the height of the Depression, it is the story of one black family's struggles at a time when segregation was strictly enforced and black people were marginalised, abused and disadvantaged as racism was openly practiced. The injustices meted out and Cassie's responses to them are sometimes humorous, sometimes horrendous, but always compelling. Though fictional, the setting and background are historically accurate, but ultimately, it is an uplifting tale of family, the human spirit and triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds. A well written book where we become invested in the characters and care about what happens to them.
November 27, 2022
Historical Realistic Fiction
Middle Grades (4-6)
Every child should read this book in school. This is a raw, detailed account of growing up in the Jim Crow South and shows all readers what it was like for an innocent, sweet girl to grow up through hardships because of the color of her skin. This book represents a black family who was able to own their own property, which sounds like it would be improvement in the country, but still struggles daily because equality was not nearly where it should be. This book is moving and powerful and a necessary read.
Middle Grades (4-6)
Every child should read this book in school. This is a raw, detailed account of growing up in the Jim Crow South and shows all readers what it was like for an innocent, sweet girl to grow up through hardships because of the color of her skin. This book represents a black family who was able to own their own property, which sounds like it would be improvement in the country, but still struggles daily because equality was not nearly where it should be. This book is moving and powerful and a necessary read.
November 10, 2021
I had not read this in my youth but my daughter in law is reading it to my grandchildren so I thought I would read it too. I was left feeling very much like the racism in this book is still going on today.
We have so much to gain as humans from one another regardless of race, socioeconomic level,
intelligence or however else we "rate" humans. I imagine the conversations would be intense and
thought provoking if we could all be at a big, big table together.
We have so much to gain as humans from one another regardless of race, socioeconomic level,
intelligence or however else we "rate" humans. I imagine the conversations would be intense and
thought provoking if we could all be at a big, big table together.
February 13, 2024
Heart-wrenching, hard to read but a very well-written book. That it is written from the perspective of a child makes it so powerful. And that part of her growing up is learning about the prejudice and violence outside of the safety of her family. It is set in the 1930's in Mississippi, and one could wish that ninety years later we could just look on it as an awful, shameful past. But racism and the violence of racism isn't in the past.
July 20, 2022
I read this as a child and wanted to reread it. The MC is a young girl in the South. She’s a firecracker and hasn’t “learned her place”. Quickly, she goes from naïveté to the stark realization that skin color can be a death sentence. TJ, a wayward boy of color, will put them all in danger with his alliances and his choices. The book shows a loving family trying to keep their dignity and remain above the daily racism they experience
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October 24, 2023This book is a tragic story about the truths of post-slavery America. This book is one of the most accurate and detailed stories of what it was like for those children living in post-slavery America. Anyone who is non-black, doesn't think that slavery actually affects people, and is ready for a book that will forever change how you view history lessons.
February 16, 2023
Imagine this story is set during the Depression era and it's amazing that until now 2023, black people in America are still facing similar problems. And it makes me wonder, when will it end? Not in my generation surely. But my grandchildren's? My grandchildren's grandchildren's?
November 16, 2017
A little slow starting, but I found it very poignant. I couldn't find the actual book on good reads and so this isn't the real book. I think it would make a good book group selection.
May 20, 2019
Black family struggles for land in a racist time.
April 7, 2019
Great book for youth.
November 1, 2020
I did not read this in school, so it was time. The emotions this book provokes are heavy and hard; the ending is (as it should be) the best part.
January 18, 2021
Incredibly sad. Would spark many good (tough) conversations regarding race. Maybe consider as a read aloud? Would be difficult for many 5th graders.
September 1, 2021
I couldn't put this book down. It was very powerful. I couldn't believe how hatefully and just plain nasty the white people were to this African-American family. Very sad.
March 8, 2022
Among many. This historical fiction will remain on my bookshelf. Through tears I finished the story. I cannot fathom the hardships and torment so many faced...
April 11, 2022
Heartbreaking. Tough to read...
May 21, 2022
It started off a bit slow but after a few chapters, oh my gosh. AMAZING!
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October 24, 2022a good book but A surprising end leaves you. at a cliffhanger.
August 20, 2023
A sad read, but well worth it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews