Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Book Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Author(s): Mildred Taylor

Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Jacket painting by Jerry Pinkney

Publisher: Phyllis Fogelman Books

Copyright Date: 1976

Genre: Historical fiction, frequently challenged books

Brief Annotation: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry depicts life in rural Mississippi during the 1930’s Great Depression. Told through the eyes of nine-year-old Cassie Logan, the story follows her family’s struggle against intense racism and their fight to maintain independence by keeping their land and preserving their pride.

Your Rating (1-5) and why: 5—I believe this book should be required reading for older elementary students. The narration will engage readers while offering many lessons on our nation’s ugly history and how determination and courage led to important victories and triumphs, no matter how small. The story provides a harsh and often painful portrayal of life in the South, and although some argue that the concepts and language are not acceptable for children to read or hear, I would differ with this opinion. I think children are quite capable of understanding the content of this book and that they need to be aware of our past in order to change the future.

Readers who will like this book: Children who like reading books about other children; children and adults who enjoy historical fiction; teachers looking for a remarkable book to integrate along with other subjects such as slavery, the Civil War, and the long struggle for civil rights.

Teaching Strategy from Tompkins or Yopp & Yopp (you'll link a strategy to at least 10 of your 40 books) : Journals. I believe any type of journal entry, but particularly the double-entry journal format, would be an excellent strategy to use alongside Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. The intensity of the book and the depth of the characters creates the need for reflection within the reader. Writing down thoughts and feelings will help readers process the material and understand the context and meaning of the story. Journaling can “move both younger and older students beyond literal comprehension to a more complete understanding of the content of the book” (Yopp & Yopp, p. 80).

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: What do you know about slavery and the Civil War? When the war ended in 1865, did slaves immediately gain their freedom and equality? What do those two words mean to you?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level: Grades 4—6

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 6.9

3. List awards: 1977 Newbery Medal, American Book Award Honor Book, ALA Notable Book, NCSS-CBC Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, Boston Globe Horn Book Award Honor Book

4. Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g141gFSWxhQ&feature=fvwp&NR=1