In "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred Taylor there are four children in the Logan family including Mama, Papa and Big Ma. The story is told from the point of view of one of the children, Cassie Deborah Logan, who is the second oldest at the age of nine. Her older brother, Stacey Logan, is twelve and Christopher John Logan is at the age of seven. Clayton Chester Logan is the youngest of the children and for this reason is called "Little Man". Mildred Taylor wanted to show a family united in love and respect through accepting and supporting each other, trust, and sacrifice.

The book shows what happens to the Logan family and their community over an entire year. The first chapter is an introduction to the year as the children are on their way to their first day of school in October. It is...