Historical Fiction

                                            Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

                                               Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Set in Mississippi in the 1930’s, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, is an unforgettable story of the Logan family and their struggle for a just and humane existence. Their desire to be independent, their unwavering love for each other, their courage, integrity, and pride in the face of racism is inspirational. This story is presented through the eyes of nine-year-old Cassie. She lives with her three brothers, mother, father and grandma on two hundred acres of their own land. The ownership of the land shields Cassie and her brothers from some of the very harsh realities that many African American families faced during that time. Of course, Cassie and brothers have brushes with racism in the form of lack of buses to their school, being forced to use books previously owned by white students, and going to segregated under-funded schools. However, for Cassie, it takes the events of one turbulent year to comprehend the true extent of hatred that existed outside of the safe and loving cocoon that her family had created for her and her brothers. She is made aware of the insignificance of a black man’s life in the eyes of a white man through the burnings conducted by the “night riders,” the sense of superiority that a white girl feels as she humiliates Cassie because of the color of her skin. Cassie and her family find small ways to retaliate against injustice; whether it be Cassie standing up to her tormentor or the Logan family refusing to buy grocery from a person who is known have killed or tortured African-Americans. The family belief is eloquently stated by Cassie’s father when he says, “You have to demand respect in this world, ain’t nobody just gonna hand it to you. How you carry yourself, what you stand for – that’s how you gain respect. But, little one, ain’t nobody’s respect worth more than your own” (Pg. 176).Throughout the book we see the Logan family living up to those words both in action and in essence.  

Inspired by the experiences of her own family, the author has written a story that is compelling, thought-provoking and brutally honest in the portrayal of the time period it is set in. Although fictionalized, this book does provide, what seems to be an authentic record of the African-American experience. Each character in the story etches out a place for themselves in our heart, whether it be the loving grandma, the hardworking and wise father, the caring mother, protective and honorable elder brother, supportive younger brothers or the spirited spitfire Cassie. The author wants us to get to know the Logan family, establish a kinship with them and walk in their shoes. Through their joys, their sorrows, their disappointments, their fear and their humiliation we get a glimpse of one of the darkest periods of American history where the worth of a human was decided by the color of their skin. The author does not believe in glossing over the events in the story and reading about some of the atrocities makes you cringe, but I guess that’s the intent of the author. She wants us to remember and not forget the unspeakable crimes committed on fellow humans as this nation was trying to find and establish its identity. She, in my opinion, also wants young readers to read about the abhorrent path of racism that this nation has traveled and learn from it and pledge never to go down that path again. Along with themes of larger historical context like racism, segregation, microcosmic themes like the personal fight for self-respect and dignity are also addressed by the author.         

                                                Just in time, ABRAHAM LINCOLN

                                                 Author/Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Michael and Derek are not happy campers because their grandmother has prohibited them from using any electronic devices on their journey to Washington DC. Like many in this generation, they don’t know what to do without their iPads, phones, and games. The boys get prepared for what is sure to be a tedious journey. Their first stop is Harpers Ferry Civil War Museum, where they meet Mr. Portufoy, a collector of Civil war uniforms, rifles, and photographs of Civil War photographer Mathew Brady. The Civil War museum bores them at the beginning until Mr. Portufoy encourages them to try on the Union uniforms. They enthusiastically try it on and also agree to play a “real game.” The museum curator shows them a door and says that when they step through that door, they'll find themselves in Antietam just after the battle. As a part of the rules, they're not allowed to tell anyone about their present life, and they are required to come back before sunset. The boys go through the door and walk into the year 1862. At first, they think that they are witnessing a re-enactment of the Civil War, but gradually things start falling into place, and they realize that they really have traveled back in time to the Civil War era. They meet the famous photographer, Mathew Brady, who takes them from one battlefield to another. Traveling with him, they get a first-hand glimpse of the horror and the carnage associated with war. It is here that they get to meet a weary President Lincoln, who is saddened and burdened by the loss of human lives. He bares his heart in front of the boys and says “I can only wonder as I stand here today if it is worth this dreadful sacrifice…..My heart breaks that I ordered these lads to their death.” Seeing the sadness on the President’s face, the boys comfort him by reassuring him that his decision has resulted in the creation of a powerful nation and has also paved the way for a black man to be the President. That thought puts a smile on Mr. Lincoln’s tired face. As the sun sets, the boys take leave of Mr. Lincoln and rush back to the door of the museum. Once they are united with their grandmother, they wonder if their whole trip was a reality or a game, until they see a picture clicked by Mathew Brady in which they can clearly see themselves lurking behind President Lincoln.

In this story of time travel and adventure, Patricia Polacco combines illustrations and text to introduce

to young readers a major historical event that changed the trajectory of this country.She makes use of vivid colors to bring to life not only a critical moment in the Civil war but also a war-weary President. Illustrations done in pencils and markers are historically accurate and help create a compelling story. Lines are used in the illustrations to create a sense of motion, energy, and establish the mood.The wordless double-page spread depicting corpse-filled battlefield scene is powerful, moving and a sobering reminder of the horrors of war. 

I think it is a great way to introduce an important event in history to children. They will identify with the young boys and will be fascinated by the time travel aspect of the story.But above all, I think they will enjoy reading about the past, which they might not have if it was presented to them in their textbooks. This book will also hopefully encourage curious minds to sift through the pages of history and learn about this past event that helped shape their present.