Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

With everything going on, we need books about diversity now more than ever. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor, a middle grade historical novel about black people living in the south in the period after Reconstruction, fits the bill.

The pacing is unique and enjoyable, with little spurts of action followed by periods of rest to help the reader reflect on the lessons told throughout the story. Those pertain to growing up, racism, picking your battles, and being the bigger person. Time to ponder helps them sink in better than the traditional novel structure.

The plot rises and falls along a gentle curve, with a sharp incline at the end. That ending will be remembered; it’s crazy to think how much one choice can affect the outcome of a person’s life! Of course, added to that conclusion comes the foreboding throughout the piece, leaving the reader worried and wondering what will happen next.

Taylor does a good job of pulling on the heartstrings through her characters. Readers become indignant along with Cassie, scared along with Christopher John, mortified along with Little Man, and mature along with Stacey. Each sibling brings a unique style and view to this world created. They round out the novel.

Recommended for anyone feeling racial tension recently.

--Grace Nask