In 1933 Mississippi, 9-year-old Cassie Logan and her family experience systemic racism and violence while striving to maintain their independence and dignity. Cassie and her brothers face challenges at school from white students and later dig a trench to sabotage a school bus. They navigate the dangers of resisting local store owners and racial injustice, culminating in a tense and violent confrontation involving a friend named T.J.

Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is widely lauded for its poignant depiction of racial injustices in 1930s Mississippi. Readers praise its compelling characters and the strong, loving Logan family. Some criticisms include a slower pace and dense historical context, which may be challenging for younger readers. Overall, it's a powerful, educational read.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction dealing with themes of racism, family, and resilience will be drawn to Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Fans of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird or Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars will find similar emotional depth and educational value. Ideal for middle-grade to young adult readers.

Challenging / Emotional / Gritty / Inspirational / Melancholic

**Cassie Logan**  
The 9-year-old narrator of *Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry*, who shares her family's experiences with racism and violence. Cassie's curiosity and intelligence drive her to seek understanding about the social injustices surrounding her.

**Stacey Logan**  
Cassie's older brother, a 12-year-old boy grappling with the expectations of his family and the responsibilities that come with them. His growth mirrors Cassie’s as he navigates friendships and faces tests of character.

**Mary Logan**  
Cassie's mother, a dedicated teacher and activist, who educates her children and community about injustice. Her actions exemplify courage and inspire Cassie as she comes of age.

**Caroline “Big Ma” Logan**  
Cassie's grandmother, who works tirelessly for her family and preserves their history. Her connection to the family land and storytelling teaches Cassie the importance of heritage.

**David Logan**  
Cassie's father, who provides wisdom and stability. He emphasizes the importance of education and hope for the future while facing racism resolutely.

**Luke Hammond “Uncle Hammer” Logan**  
Cassie’s uncle who resides in Chicago. His fiery temperament and loyalty to his family influence key events in the novel.

**T.J. Avery**  
A classmate of Stacey’s known for poor choices and troublesome behavior, whose actions create significant conflict and cautionary lessons in the story.

**Harlan Granger**  
The main antagonist, a white landowner who opposes the Logan family and represents systemic racism, using financial power to harm the Logans.

**Lillian Jean Simms**  
Cassie's direct antagonist, a white girl whose racist behavior Cassie challenges through clever tactics without inciting further trouble for her family.

**Jeremy Simms**  
A white boy who attempts friendship with the Logan children despite racial tensions, sparking discussions about the potential for cross-racial friendships.

**Clayton Chester “Little Man” Logan and Christopher-John Logan**  
Cassie's younger brothers, noted for their sensitivity and emotional responses to racism, which elicit sympathy and drive the Logan family to action.

**Mr. L.T. Morrison**  
A formidable figure who teaches the Logan children about strength and resilience. He finds a sense of belonging with the Logans despite his tragic background.

**Mr. Jamison**  
A white lawyer who respects the Logan family and contrasts with Harlan Granger. He offers hope that some individuals might renounce racist beliefs.

**The Wallace Brothers**  
Owners of the local store, they are villains in the story known for their exploitation of Black families, serving as symbols of mundane yet deeply ingrained racism.

- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1977, recognizing it as the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children that year.
- Author Mildred D. Taylor drew inspiration for the novel from her own family's history and stories shared by her father about life in the segregated South.
- The book is the fourth in a series of novels about the Logan family, exploring themes of racism and resilience through their experiences during the Great Depression.

Mildred D. Taylor

Middle grade

Novel

Logans

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Essay Topics

Introduction

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry Before Reading

During Reading

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry During Reading

After Reading

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry After Reading

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

Reading Age

Book Details