Chelsey and Sara discuss Mildred D. Taylor’s Newberry Award winning novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We gush about the writing, share our favorite characters, and unpack a few memorable scenes. We also spend some time considering why this book feels like it could be classified as an adult novel and the value it would add to a middle or high school curriculum. And, of course, we each offer a couple of books to pair with this middle grade classic. This conversation is largely spoiler-free, and we encourage you to listen whether or not you’ve read this book recently or at all!

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Pairings Timestamp: 42:05

Books mentioned:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice by Phillip Hoose
Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes

Stealing by Margaret Verble
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Also mentioned:

114. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Novel Pairings

114. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor