Common Sense Media Review
Compelling tale of family facing racism in '30s Mississippi.
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Why Age 11+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say this book offers an important perspective on American history, particularly regarding racism, and encourages discussions about uncomfortable topics like systemic injustice and historical atrocities. While many appreciate its educational value and compelling narrative, some express concern over the use of racial slurs and the emotional difficulty it may pose for younger readers.
- historical context
- racial slurs
- educational value
- uncomfortable discussions
- age-appropriate read
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 76 kid reviews
Kids say the book, set during the 30s and 40s, provides a candid depiction of racial and economic discrimination, showcasing the struggles of a black family. While many find it educational and powerful, there are significant concerns about its use of strong language, violence, and mature themes, making it appropriate mainly for older children and teens.
- powerful message
- strong language
- educational value
- mature themes
- family struggles
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY recounts one turbulent year in the life of 9-year-old Cassie Logan's family as they're traumatized by inequality and racism in their small Mississippi town. Yet the novel effectively conveys, even in the midst of violence and hatred (including nightriders, arson, and lynching), the importance of family loyalty, as well as pride in the face of adversity.
Is It Any Good?
Readers will share Cassie's outrage and cheer her courage as she faces racism and violence in this compelling story. Even though she uncovers some pretty scary things, readers will be comforted knowing that she belongs to a strong and supportive family. It's this loyalty, love, and intense pride that enable the Logans to endure in the racist culture of 1930s Mississippi.
Author Mildred D. Taylor doesn't pull any punches as she describes terrorism by nightriders, burnings ,and near lynchings. This book should be read with or introduced by a parent or teacher, both for the disturbing content and to help explain undefined references, such as sharecropping and Reconstruction. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is the best kind of historical fiction, in which powerful lessons from the past are encased in such an absorbing story with such unforgettable characters that children don't feel like they're "studying" history at all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about racism in 1930s Mississippi and now. What has changed since then? What challenges still remain?
What do you think of the violence in the story? Did you know things like lynchings and mob violence went on?
Why is having land so important to Cassie's family?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jerry Pinkney
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : January 1, 1976
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 276
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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