“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor (ages 9-12, Puffin, 288 pp.) tells the story of 9-year-old Cassie Logan, a member of a tight-knit family proud of their land ownership. The Logan family is confronted by the sinister presence of “night riders” in her Southern community meant to intimidate black residents. In her youthful innocence, Cassie can hardly comprehend the existence of such racism and bigotry. However, even as she comes to understand her troubled times, she also discovers the enduring force of familial love.
