Summary
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is a middle-grade novel focused on a close-knit Black family during the Jim Crow era. Set in 1933 in the Mississippi Delta, the story unfolds through the eyes of nine-year-old Cassie Logan, the youngest daughter of Mary and David Logan, a hardworking couple who own the land on which they reside. In several intertwining plots, Cassie relates her family’s aspirations and ongoing struggles against systemic injustices, racism, economic hardships, and everyday indignities.
Plot
Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression and Jim Crow era, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry captures a Black family's struggle against oppression and injustices through their youngest daughter, nine-year-old Cassie. Owners of the land on which they live and work, the Logans aim to retain their 400-acre farm and protect their children from hatred and harm.
The story begins with a racial violence incident, where Cassie's brother's friend describes white men burning three Black men. This sets a tone of fear and hostility. The Logan children encounter discrimination at school due to limited resources and taunts from white classmates. David Logan, Cassie's father, organizes a boycott of the Wallace store, known for its racist ties to violent acts. Despite economic risks, the Logans remain defiant, culminating in an altercation that leaves Papa Logan injured in an attack orchestrated by the Wallaces.
Tensions escalate when T.J. Avery, whose actions had strained relations with the Logans, becomes entangled with R.W. and Melvin Simms. T.J.'s involvement in a robbery turns to murder, placing the Logan family in a precarious situation. To prevent T.J.'s lynching, Papa sets his land on fire, forcing Black and white men to unite against the flames, averting a tragedy for T.J. temporarily. However, T.J.'s uncertain future highlights the persistent threat of racial injustices.
Characters
Cassie Logan: The nine-year-old narrator and central character. Her journey shifts from innocence to awareness of racial injustice as she encounters systemic racism in her community. These experiences shape her perspective and growth.
Stacey Logan: Twelve-year-old brother of Cassie. He demonstrates responsibility by devising a plan against the school bus driver's bullying tactics. His actions indicate emerging leadership during adversity.
Christopher-John Logan & Little Man Logan: Younger siblings who provide diverse viewpoints and innocence to the family. Their experiences contrast with their older siblings' understanding of inequality.
David "Papa" Logan: Provides support and foresight for the family. He leads actions like a boycott against a racist store, reflecting his commitment to justice and teaching resilience.
Mary "Mama" Logan: Acts as the family's moral leader, imparting values and courage. She challenges educational limits despite risking her job, indicating her fight against institutional racism.
Big Ma & Uncle Hammer: Represent family history and strength. Big Ma shares stories that connect the family to their past, while Uncle Hammer's demeanor underscores their ongoing struggle for equality.
Mr. Morrison: Serves as a guardian, symbolizing protection for the Logans. His strength helps shield the family from racial threats.
TJ Avery: His actions highlight the risks black youth face in seeking acceptance within a biased society. TJ's choices lead to dire consequences, prompting the Logans' engagement in a racially charged conflict.
Setting
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry captures the era of the Great Depression and the Jim Crow South, marked by economic turmoil and racial segregation. Set in 1933 Mississippi, the story outlines the systemic racism and restrictive social norms affecting African Americans. The narrative presents the impact of Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation and disenfranchisement, focusing on themes of inequality and racial violence. The Logan family's efforts to preserve their land and dignity reflect a broader community resistance to oppression. Their boycott of the Wallace store defies institutions supporting racial injustice. The portrayal of family and community facing adversity highlights the period's brutal circumstances and ongoing struggle for racial justice.
Themes
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry explores racial injustice, family unity, and community resilience. Set in 1933 Mississippi, the novel portrays the racial discrimination faced by the Logan family. The community's boycott of the Wallace store reflects a struggle against systemic racism. This shows that African Americans faced harsh realities during this period.
Family integrity emerges as a vital theme. The Logan family's unity and their land symbolize resistance and pride. Cassie, the young protagonist, learns that land is crucial to their independence. Owning land is central to the Logans' identity and survival. The family views possession of land as essential to preserving their autonomy.
Community support is important. Neighbors stand together against racial prejudice and oppression. Taylor conveys education as a form of empowerment. The Logan children's pursuit of knowledge acts as resilience against oppressive social norms.
Cassie's journey reflects the theme of lost innocence. Her understanding of the world's complexities highlights the societal impact on youth. This adds depth to the novel's commentary on social issues.
Quick facts
Published in 1976, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1977, making Mildred D. Taylor the second Black author to receive this honor.
The novel, set in 1933 to 1934 in rural Mississippi, portrays the Logan family's fight against racial injustice during the Great Depression.
The story is narrated by nine-year-old Cassie Logan, offering a child's unique perspective on racial issues and societal challenges.
Taylor's storytelling draws heavily from her family's history, oral stories, and personal experiences, including the character Paul-Edward being based on her great-grandfather.
The book has been frequently challenged and included in the American Library Association's list of most challenged books due to its honest portrayal of racism and violence.
The novel was adapted into a television movie in 1978 featuring notable actors, such as Morgan Freeman.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is the first book in the Logan Family Saga, which includes four sequels, three prequels, and two related novellas.
Key themes include land ownership, family unity, the struggle against racial discrimination, and unflinching portrayals of the harsh realities of Jim Crow segregation and lynchings.
Taylor wrote the book to address gaps she saw in American history education, highlighting the achievements and resilience of Black Americans.
The Logan family's organized community boycott against a racist store owner highlights both economic resistance and solidarity against racial oppression.
The metaphor “roll of thunder” serves as a powerful symbol expressing deep-seated anger and frustration at racial injustice in the novel.
Film adaptation
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was adapted into a 1978 made-for-television movie, featuring Morgan Freeman in the role of Uncle Hammer.
About the author
Mildred D. Taylor (1943-) is an American author of young adult and middle-grade novels known for their honest depictions of African American life in the Deep South during the Jim Crow era. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, she writes from experience, drawing from her family's oral histories and the legacy of her great-grandfather, a former enslaved individual. Her semi-autobiographical novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry received the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1977 and launched her Logan Family Saga. Taylor earned her master's degree in journalism from the University of Colorado, where she contributed to establishing a Black Studies Program. Her contributions to literature have been recognized with the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.
