The novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is based on the experiences of African American families living in the South during the Great Depression. The story is set in Mississippi in the 1930s and follows the Logan family as they face racial injustice and economic hardship. The novel is inspired by the author’s own family history and the stories she heard from her father and other relatives about their struggles and resilience during that time.
The Logan family’s fight to maintain their land and dignity in the face of systemic racism and violence is a central theme of the book. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Cassie Logan, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of African Americans during a tumultuous period in American history.