Product Description
With the depression bearing down on her family and food in short supply, Cassie Logan isn't sure where her next meal will come from.But there is one thing that she knows will always be there-the whispering trees outside her window. Cassie's trees are a steady source of comfort to her, but they also happen to be worth a lot of money. When Mr. Andersen tries to force Big Ma to sell their valuable trees, Cassie can't just sit by and let it happen.She knows that her family needs the money, but something tells her that they need the trees just as much. The beloved heroine of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry enchants us again in this story of strength and pride.

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkey ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Great Things Come From Small Packages
The novella Song of the Trees is a dynamite little story. As a teacher I find that a lot of children of all races do not realize what the depression era was all about. Mildred Taylor presents wholesome heroes in the Logan family. She addresses tough topics such as racism and segregation in all her novels. The themes of bravery, family, and standing up for what is right are in this little story and in all of her stories. Mildred Taylor's books should be on every family's bookshelves.

GREAT BOOK
Although the book is very short it is still excellent and well written. The pictures and illustrations
make the book more interesting to follow.

Description misleading
We received this item in the time noted at time of purchase. The book itself was creased on the cover and it did not go through the cutting process properly. Therefore, the pages were all over the place. I needed to give this book to the libraryto replace the one my daughter lost. It was a difficult task substituting a substandard book. I would not order from this company again.

Great
Great little book! The continuing stories of the family is just wonderful.I wish all the kids in America could read about the Logan Family!

Song of the Trees
I read the book "Song of the Trees." I really enjoyedit. It was also kind of sad.
One of my favorite character is Little Man. I lke him because he always dressed like he was going to meet the president. Another charater I like is Cassie because she stuck up for her brothers. And she seemed pitty nice and kind. A last one is Mr.andersen. I like him because he was mean and Cassie and her two brothers beat up on him. But I don't like cause hes mean.He was about to whip Little Man.
It's sad because they were cutting down all the nice trees. Mr. Andersen was about to whip Little Man when the kids were messing around and fighting with him. ... Read more

Product Description
The son of a prosperous landowner and a former slave, Paul-Edward Logan is unlike any other boy he knows. His white father has acknowledged him and raised him openly-something unusual in post-Civil War Georgia. But as he grows into a man he learns that life for someone like him is not easy. Black people distrust him because he looks white. White people discriminate against him when they learn of his black heritage. Even within his own family he faces betrayal and degradation. So at the age of fourteen, he sets out toward the only dream he has ever had: to find land every bit as good as his father's, and make it his own. Once again inspired by her own history, Ms. Taylor brings truth and power to the newest addition to the award-winning Logan family stories.Amazon.com Review
The Land is Mildred D. Taylor's wonderful prequel to her Newbery Medal winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. In the stories Taylor has to tell, life is not fair, hard work doesn't always pay off, and the good guy doesn't always win. That's because this extraordinary author tells the stories of her African American family in the Deep South during and after the Civil War, a time of ugly, painful racism.

Paul-Edward Logan, the son of a white, plantation-owner father and a slave mother, is our narrator, bound and determined to buy his own land and shape his own future at whatever cost. Caught between black and white worlds and not fitting into either one is devastating for him, but his powerful, engaging tales of the love of family, the strength of friendship, and growing up will inspire anyone to dare to persevere despite terrible odds. Taylor's books are not only essential in understanding what led up to the Civil Rights movement in America--they are also breathtaking page-turners, full of suspense, humor, love, and hope. The Land certainly stands alone, but the other award-winning tales of the Logan family--Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; Let the Circle Be Unbroken; and The Road to Memphis--are excellent as well. Heartily recommended. (Ages 12 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Good deal
I chose a used book in "like new" conditions. It arrived on time and as described.

An Endearing Book
This book was too good for words. Paul Logan is the main character, a young man living in the early 1900s. He is black, although he looks white because his father is white. The betrayal, friendship, and family included in this book made it very interesting. I have read the books two generations in the future from this one, and gasped every time a familiar last name appeared. The characters are very well developed and have a personality that is individual. You can always find a relation to a character.One character, Mitchell Thomas, was a character that I found myself at a loss as to how I felt about. At one point, he's Paul's enemy. At another, they're best friends, and call each other brothers. Yet at another time he betrays Paul without trying. Paul's struggles as a white-looking black man results in problems for himself. He is always treated as a white man until he says he is, in fact, black. He soon discovers he must tell this right away. His many passions help him in life. He trains horses, makes good wooden furniture, and is a good logger. He earns respect for his trades and eventually earns what he really wants: a chance at having land. Much of the book focuses on the struggles for the forty acres Paul is offered.
The book is very interesting and holds your attention. It gives you a concept to think about. Do not be scared off by the thickness of the book because every page holds your attention. It is very well-written and shows a good plot.

Taylor Tops it Off
the exciting and engaging prequel to Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I lov ethis book! Can't wait till RTHMC comes out on Kindle!

Incredible Book!
The Land was a beautifully written account of a young man's journey to achieve something that was important to him during a time when people like himself were treated like nothing and basically had nothing.It tells of how effort and the love of family and those who still have human kindness, can turn into a lot and totally change one's life and the course of life for future generations. I couldn't put it down.

Heart-wrenching
A story of deep conviction, heartache, unresolvable conflicts, and unrelenting focus on positive goals. It is like reading about pioneers crossing the plains, with pain and loss and heartbreak, but sticking to their faith and goals in spite of incredible obstacles.

In the end, all the protagonist endured was what made him the strong father and grandfather that he became, and he was able to pass down to his children and grandchildren the values that he held dear.

Some things I could hardly bear to read, yet I couldn't put it down. ... Read more

Product Description
The year is 1935. The young Logan family watches as their friend is charged with murder and tried by an all-white jury. "A profoundly affecting novel."--Publishers Weekly. Coretta Scott King Award. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (97)

The Best Book In The World
This book brings action, emotion, and a good mental illustration of the scenes in it. The book is told by Cassie Logan, the same narrator as in the previous book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. The book tells of the struggles and hardships of being black in the 1930s. The story starts out with the conclusion of the incident started in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. In the previous book, T.J. Avery, a friend of Stacey Logan, robs a mercantile because two white boys told him to. The book includes his nerve-racking trial. Then Mama's nephew, Cousin Bud, comes to town with some shocking news. He, a black man, has married a white woman. He tells that his daughter, Suzella, looks white. He asks if the Logans would let her stay with them for a month or so to learn about her black background. During Suzella's stay, Stacey, Cassie's older brother, runs away to find work to help pay taxes. It causes a very sad few months at the Logans' home. During 1934, there is a program called the Union. It is a mixed-race organization, and that soon causes problems. An angry mob forms to protest the shutting down of the Union, and after a series of events, the protest ends up in a fight. Cassie and part of her family witness this fight and this particular protest. That same day, though, news comes about Stacey. But it might not be him... well, I don't want to give away too much to those of you excited about reading it. You will really enjoy this book. I give it Five Stars!

Exciting but overall very boring book
The beginning of the book was good because of the trial with TJ. After the end of the trial the book is very boring until Cousin Bud comes. When Suzella comes it gets exciting until she leaves. Stacey leaves and the children sit around dumbfounded,"Where could he be??" Their parents are the only proactive ones in the this sitution send telgrams, letters and Papa looks for Stacey by going to the sugar cane plantations. The story ends with no definate ending and making you annoyed. I think this book is better than Roll of Thunder Here my Cry,but most of the book it is SO BORING!!!!!!!!!!! It is so boring you will not want to keep reading it.
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Well done
I read "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" as a child growing up in 70's suburbia. I loved the book and grew fond of the Logan family. It was only last year when I realized there were sequels.
As a homeschooling parent I opted to read "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" to my 10 year old son this year.I purchased "Let the Circle be Unbroken" with the possibility of reading it to my son this year as well.This book is equally well-written, however the themes in this books are more mature than the previous one. Therefore, I would not just hand this book to a younger child. There is a difference in the level of innocence, but I believe that it added value and reality to the story. The author allows Cassie to grow up. I believe this book would be an invaluable resource for any high school level student.There are many talking points about injustice that can be taken from this book.I do plan to read this with my son, but we will wait a few years.

Takes a surprisingly bitter tone...
In "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry", Mrs. Taylor wrote matter-of-factly, without bitterness, and left the story 'innocent' yet revealing. Now, in this sequel, bitterness is evident in many chapters. It isn't about hating whites, but it does harangue the reader about the past, as if somehow they are responsible and as if it were still being done. The point of the story is made rather ineffectively, then, and the reader is left reading without emotion.

...signed, a 17 y\o without an account

Let the Circle Be Unbroken
In Let the Circle Be Unbroken, Cassie (the main character) changes from a child that knows little about segregation to a person that understands what life really is. Cassie goes through many conflicts that involve her or her family friends.Her first conflict was T.J.T.J. was a close friend but he has been accused of killing and stealing so the town wants him hanged.Second, Cassie meets her cousin, Suzella.Suzella thinks that she is white when she is both black and white. Then last of all Cassie's friend, Mrs. Lee Annie wants to vote.Her decision cost her greatly.Among all of this, Stacey (Cassie's brother) runs away to find more money because the family had limited money.Mildred D. Taylor used interesting and powerful words and strong dialect to capture my attention. This is a great novel for any one that understands segregation. ... Read more

Product Description
Cassie Logan and her brothers have been warned never to go to the Wallace store, so they know to expect trouble there. What they don't expect is to hear Mr. Tom Bee, an elderly black man, daring to call the white storekeeper by his first name. The year is 1933, the place is Mississippi, and any child knows that some things just aren't done. Black & white illustrations .Amazon.com Review
It's hot and humid in 1933 Mississippi, when an elderly black man anda white store owner test their friendship against a backdrop of racism andpeer pressure. An explosive confrontation takes place when the black man, TomBee, greets the clerk, John Wallace, by his first name--an intimacy unheardof at the time. A group of witnesses heckles Wallace for what they perceiveas his permissiveness, and in spite of his private promise to Bee to allowhim to greet him this way, Wallace betrays Bee, shooting him in the leg. Thisbrief but poignant story won the 1988 Coretta Scott King Award. It providesstrong characterization as well as food for discussion on racism and humanrelations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Awesome
The Saga of the Logans! Oh, what can you say?Just wonderful little stories that should be a must read in schools today.

the friendship is good!
thi is a book about black people tht try to get in a white bar, when the black people go to the bar all of the white people are mean to th black people. they threaten to chop off a young black childs hands. this was a good book, i did not like it as much as the well though...this is one of the best books Mildred D. Taylor has probably ever wrote.

the friendship
I did not realy like this book. It was an example of how whites treated blacks. Itwas kind of short and did not realy go into details to let you know the story. It just gave you enough to know what they were talking about. It would be best for ages about 8. It does not have bad language but it is not good for younger kids.

The Friendship
I guess it was a pretty good book, but other kids will have to read it themselves. this book was about 3 boys and 1 girl, they have this friendship but at the end of the book this guy named john shot Mr. Tom Bee, and that's how I rate this book, a 2.

The Friendship
I thought that this was a pretty good book . In the story these boys went to this market to get there aunt Callies head medicine. When they got there they saw a family friend that was going there to get his sardines and some candy canes. The boy that was there would not give him what he wanted so he asked for the owner and he came out to see what the problem was and he gave him what he asked for. When he went back in there to get some tabacco the guy who owns the market shot him in the leg. ... Read more

Product Description
Jeremy Simms watches from the porch of the general store as the passengers board the weekly bus from Jackson. When several white passengers arrive late, the driver roughly orders the black passengers off to make room. Then, in the driving rain, disaster strikes, and Jeremy witnesses a shocking end to the day's drama. Set in Mississippi in the 1930s, this is a gripping story of racial injustice.

"Taylor, a powerful storyteller, again combines authentic incidents to create a taut plot....Her cry for justice always rings true."--Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful story about the segregated South of the 1930s."--Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

It was a great little book, thanks!
Although it is considered a children's book, I loved it.I wish the book was bigger and the story longer, but it is what it is.Thanks,

At a time of Barack Obama being nominated for President, it is good to look back at what was
This book is about the old south, a place of deep-seated segregation and racial bias. It is told through the eyes and voice of a lightly educated white boy named Jeremy whose father despises blacks. Yet, the boy clearly has not had the race hatred deeply ingrained into his persona, as he tries to be friendly and feels bad when the whites mistreat a black man (Josias) for simply stating that he has a job. His father beats Jeremy for simply talking kindly to Josias. The time context is that of the 1930's when unemployment was high, so the whites despise the black man for "taking a job away from a white man."
It is raining hard and the store is also a bus stop. When an elderly black woman arrives to get on the bus, she is accompanied by several of her grandchildren. They are forced to go to the back of the bus and then, when additional whites want to take the bus, the driver forces all the black people off the bus. Josias is physically thrown off into the mud.
However, when the bus slides off a bridge into the swollen creek, it is Jeremy and Josias who are the first responders, Josias doing all he can to save the very people who treated him so badly.
At a time when the Democratic party has nominated a black man as their candidate for President of the United States, it is good to keep reminding ourselves of the significance of this event. Only a few decades ago, blacks were treated in a manner depicted in this book and some were even killed for standing up for themselves. This book should be read by all elementary students as a reminder of the way things were.

The Event that stops discrimination
The genre of `Mississippi Bridge' is realistic fiction. In Mississippi during the 1930's whites were given special treatment over the other people who were `of color'. The theme is hope because it does get better for everyone at the end. In the story the conflict is that blacks are mistreated and that whites have more `power' over what happens; also that when more people who were white came on the bus Josias, Stacey and their grandmother off the bus in order to make more room. We did like the ending and how the town comes toghter. Though, what we did not like was how the Josias, Stacey and their grandmother had to get off just to make more room for other people who were not in the same `social class' as them. This book was very good and had many exciting parts in the story; all kids would love reading this book.

mississippi bridge
the book in,nt the best the best book I have read but the book is good .I like the part when the bus falls in the river and they have to rescew the people out of the water and take care of grandma. this is the part that almost made me saub!!!!!!!!!

Mississippi Wonders
Mississippi Bridge is about Stacy Logan, her brothers and sisters, and Josias Williams. Josias Williams is taking the bus to a new job because a flood coming through the town ruined his last job. In the 1930s black people were not treated equally because of their skin color. But then Stacy Logan, her brothers and sisters, and Josias Williams and Stacey's grandmother get on the bus but something happens and the town has a horrifying nightmare that will change the townspeople's lives forever.
The book takes place in Mississippi in the 1930s during the time of the great depression.
The problem is really about how Jeremy Simms always watches as the weekly bus comes from Jackson and goes through his town. But one day on the way from the stop the bus goes over a bridge and a flash flood sweeps the bus into the rivers. The bus ride becomes more than just a daily routine, it becomes a situation between life and death.
The theme of the story is about four kids always being told you can't try this on unless you are going to buy it because they are black. But one day they get on the bus and their friend Josias and Stacy's grandmother get kicked off the bus and the four kids are left alone. The bus driver doesn't know that a flash flood has occurred. Something happens that changes their lives forever.
The main characters are Josias Williams, Stacy Logan, her brothers and sisters, and Jeremy Simms who is trying to find a job.
The mood of the story is very adventurous and can be at some times mad, scary, and sad at one time.
The grade and age group for this book is for 5th grade and from 11-13 years old students/kids.

By Josh
... Read more

Product Description
The story of one African American family fighting to stay together and strong in the face of brutal racist attacks, illness, poverty, and betrayal in the Deep South of the 1930s.Amazon.com Review
In all Mildred D. Taylor's unforgettable novels she recounts "not only the joy of growing up in a large and supportive family, but my own feelings of being faced with segregation and bigotry." Her Newbery Medal-winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry tells the story of one African American family, fighting to stay together and strong in the face of brutal racist attacks, illness, poverty, and betrayal in the Deep South of the 1930s. Nine-year-old Cassie Logan, growing up protected by her loving family, has never had reason to suspect that any white person could consider her inferior or wish her harm. But during the course of one devastating year when her community begins to be ripped apart by angry night riders threatening African Americans, she and her three brothers come to understand why the land they own means so much to their Papa. "Look out there, Cassie girl. All that belongs to you. You ain't never had to live on nobody's place but your own and long as I live and the family survives, you'll never have to. That's important. You may not understand that now but one day you will. Then you'll see."

Twenty-five years after it was first published, this special anniversary edition of the classic strikes as deep and powerful a note as ever. Taylor's vivid portrayal of ugly racism and the poignancy of Cassie's bewilderment and gradual toughening against social injustice and the men and women who perpetuate it, will remain with readers forever. Two award-winning sequels, Let the Circle Be Unbroken and The Road to Memphis, and a long-awaited prequel, The Land, continue the profoundly moving tale of the Logan family. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (472)

In the deep south.
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry is a great book for students who are looking for a different perspective into the deep south. This book helps the students see the inner black perspective of the Civil Rights Movement. However, this is not one of my favorite books. The main reason I did not enjoy this book is because of the continuous lack of plot line. The book just described the everyday life of the family and some of the civil encounters they faced. There was not true climax or ending. I would recommend this book to a class who was trying to get the inner perspective of the movement, but it is not an exciting personal read. Many of the stories are very typical of the stories one may here when studying the civil rights movement.

We are all Equal!

We are all Equal!
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Coretta Scott King Award- Honor Book 1977
By: Mildred D. Taylor
A part of history that will never be forgot. The book setting is in 1930's in a farming era of Mississippi. An innocent nine-year old Cassie Logan shares the daily struggles of a colored family during this time.As we see the story unfold, little Cassie doesn't understand what prejudice is. Her family struggles with problems that still exist in today's world such as racism, respect, pride, family, friendship, and peace. It's sad to think that close to seventy years later we still are fighting the same war. This book is a great way to introduce children to this war and they can see the world from a child's perspective. This book is truly moving. I remember reading it in Junior High and was recently assigned to read again. I believe this book makes a difference in us all. At the end of the book, you will reflect on your life and what you can do to make a difference.
Taylor, M. (1976) Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry. New York: Puffin Books.

Say What?
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry was not one of my favorite books. I loved getting to read about the 1930's and what really went on in those times. But it was not very easy to read and had no real climax.

I kept waiting for Logan's house to get burned down, or for Papa or Mr. Morrison to get revenge, or even better for Uncle Hammer to come be beat the snot out of the Wallace family. Yet none of this ever happened.

The author also never really went into the details of who Jeremy was and why he was friends with the Logan kids. The biggest complaint is that Taylor never wrote about what happened to T.J., was he set free, hung, what?

I was truly disappointed in this book, yet could see such great potential for this book.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
This book is truly a classic.It portrays the history of discrimination perfectly.It is completely accurate. The book is about three children who are black.Their family owns land which is a rare situation.Everyday these children are reminded of their black heritage.The are always chastised and ridiculed.A classic for all children.I highly recommend this book.

Enthralling and Powerful
Mildred D. Taylor, author of this Newbery Award-winning book, grew up with a master storyteller for a father. From him she learned the history of her African-American family: "A history of great-grandparents and of slavery and of the days following slavery; of those who lived still not free, yet who would not let their spirits be enslaved." This middle school book and her other many books are inspired by her father's stories of their family.

Nine-year-old Cassie Logan and her family live in a farming community in Depression Era Mississippi. Smoldering racial tension is a fact of life. One day Cassie accidentally bumps into a white girl and apologizes, but the girl tells her to get off the sidewalk and down in the road. "'Maybe that way you won't be bumping into decent white folks with your little nasty self.'" Cassie stands up to her, but then the girl's father shoves her into the road and demands a second apology. Her grandmother hurries over with fear in her eyes and makes Cassie apologize again. Later, she finds an effective way to get back at the girl.

Sometimes the racial tension flares up into terrible violence. One day while Cassie and her brothers are walking to school, T. J., a friend of her twelve-year-old brother, tells them that a neighbor and his two nephews were set on fire. "'Some white men took a match to `em.'" Everyone knows who did it--the white men who run the local store--but they are never arrested.

Later on, T. J. gets into trouble, trouble that could get him lynched. Now the Logan family and their friends must act quickly and in secret to prevent it.

Slavery and its aftermath are a dark stain on our country's history and this book is a powerful reminder of that. It's well-written and fast-paced, with danger always a breath away because Cassie and her family and friends live under constant threat from the whites in power. In their world, survival is a triumph.

When Mildred D. Taylor attended grade school, she was shocked by the "lackluster" histories of African-Americans which she found in her history textbooks. She shared her knowledge of African-American history with the class, but the students and teacher thought that she was inventing stories. ... Read more

Product Description
Lois and Wilma are proud of their father's brand-new gold Cadillac, and excited that the family will be driving it all the way from Ohio to Mississippi. But as they travel deeper into the rural South, there are no admiring glances for the shiny new car--only suspicion and anger for the black man behind the wheel. For the first time in their lives, Lois and her sister know what it's like to feel scared because of the color of their skin.A personal, poignant look at a black child's first experience with institutional racism. --The New York Times/ ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

A great book in every sense of the term.
Beware the spoilers.

First published by Mildred D. Taylor through the Penguin Group in 1987, "The Gold Cadillac" is one of the greatest- and shortest- books I have ever read. At a mere 43 pages, it is on the borderline of novels and short stories. I consider it a novel, but perhaps 'novella' is more like it. Anyway. I first read this book in elementary school. I remember clearly seeing a book as I scanned over a library shelf one day. "The Gold Cadillac". Being a great lover of cars since the earliest of ages, I could not resist picking the book up and taking a closer look. Soon, I read it. Then I checked it out and read it again. Yet, for some reason, it took me over ten years to finally get my own copy. Now I have one, and having read it again for the first time in years, I regret taking so long to purchase a copy of my own.
The book's namesake is a gold-painted, gold-upholstered 1950 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, purchased suddenly and unexpectedly by the father of a black family living in Toledo, Ohio. The story of the Cadillac's arrival at this family's home is not explained firsthand, but rather is explained piece by piece as the story progresses. We learn that the unnamed father of the family stopped by a Cadillac dealership on his way home one day, trading in the not even year-old Mercury for it. The car's magnificence and grandeur soon makes this family the talk of the neighborhood, and the main character, young Lois, and her sister Wilma are enthralled with it. So are their uncles, aunts, and all the others who stop by to look, or see the car while walking through the neighborhood. But one person is not, someone whose staunch dislike for the gleaming new Cadillac changes things dramatically- the mother of the family. They had been saving up to buy a newer, better house, and the Mercury they'd owned before had been perfectly good. The cost of the new car sets them back on the planned new house considerably, making Lois' mother very unhappy with her husband's spontaneous purchase. She also resents his decision to buy the car without speaking to her first at all. She soon says that since her husband bought it alone, he can ride in the Cadillac alone as well. But when Lois' father decides to drive down to Mississippi to visit relatives, all the talk about the Cadillac, positive and negative, subsides in the face of a much bigger issue. In the segregated South of the 1950's, a new Cadillac with Northern plates and a black family inside will not be met with the admiring looks and enthusiastic compliments it has been so far. Despite all the attempts made to dissuade him from making the trip, Lois' father does so, and her mother decides to accompany Lois, Wilma, her husband and their aunts and uncles on the drive to Mississippi.
The trip goes exactly as expected- Kentucky, Tennessee, and most of all Mississippi are far from welcoming to this family and their new car. Pulled over by a pair of Mississippi state troopers, Lois' father is accused of stealing the car. The troopers refuse to believe that a black man could, through his own honest work, afford to pay for such a car as this Cadillac. Released with a fine for 'speeding', they drive back North and borrow the Chevrolet of a relative to make the rest of the trip. Lois has a conversation with her father, expressing her long-standing confusion over why so many "Whites only" signs are seen in the South, and why a black man behind the wheel of a Cadillac is viewed with suspicion and hate rather than respect and admiration. Lois cannot understand why such simple facts- that her father paid for the car with his own hard-earned money and should have the right to drive it wherever he wants- are willingly ignored by so many in America, especially below the Mason-Dixon Line. Her father answers her questions as best he can, but has no concrete answer, no great revelation or solution. We are shown the utter wrongness, the blind hate, of racism and prejudice, of segregation and racial discrimination of all kinds. Books like this do not make those of us who are terribly proud to be Southern. This centers around one of the most, if not the most,shameful parts of our history. There is something very wrong with a place where a man cannot drive down the street behind the wheel of a car he paid for.

Returning home, the Cadillac is put away in a garage. One day it disappears, and Lois' father returns home on foot. The DeVille has been sold. Another Mercury is soon factory-ordered, and until then the family, united once again, rides around in an old 1930's Ford. The Cadillac, grand as it was, divided the family and caused more trouble than it was worth. Lois vows she will never forget it or the trip to Mississippi, and what they saw and went through along the way.

This is a book largely written for elementary school students, but one I would recommend to anybody interested in a little story about the grandeur of one gold Cadillac and the wrongheadedness of an older, more hateful and prejudiced America. Despite its small size, I consider it to be one of the best books I have ever read.

Racial bias story for young readers
I'm a big fan of Mildred Taylor, but this one was not as strong as her others. The characterization was thin, so you never really cared what happened.I think it is written this way to make the segregation story available to younger students.This one would be fine for 3rd or 4th grade.If you want Mildred Taylor at her best, try a 7th-8th grade book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.For 9th grade and older, you can't go wrong with The Land.

A shiny new cadillac can cause troubble.
The book 'The Golden Cadillac' genre is realistic fiction. It is about how a father sells his car for a Cadillac and wants to drive it to the south: From Ohio to Mississippi. The conflicts are that 1.) Wilma's and Lois' mother do not like the new car and was very upset. And also 2) for a black man to go to the south with a new shiny perfect car police think he stole it. The theme is both preparations because the dad knew of this of the warnings and trust because the family had to trust the Father on knowing what he was doing. Wilma's and Lois' Father get pulled over by a police officer and he has to spend the night in jail. There are two things We liked about this book 1) the father wasnt afraid of going to the Mississippi, 2) he didnt listen to what this family thought about going to the Mississippi.
All kids would probably love reading this book.

The Gold Cadilallac (Cameron)
The Gold Cadillac is a good short book.Its aboat a girl and her family.One day her dad comes home with a brand new cadillac.They already had a new Mercury.The dad shows the cadillac to everyone and everyone likeed it except the mom.She did not like the car because they were saving for a new home.She did not ride in the golden Cadillac until the dad went to Missisipi, and nobody wanted him to go because it was a bad place for him.You've got to remember that this book takes place in the 1960's.He and the whole family went.If you want to know what happens,read The Gold Cadillac by Mildred D. Taylor.

The best of Mildred Taylor is here
This is the best book of Mildred D' Taylor

1. The gold Caddilac
2. Road to Memphis
3. The friendship
4. The land
5. Roll of thunder hear my cry
6. Let the cricle be unbroken
7. The well david's story
8. Song Of trees
9. Mississippi Bridge

and thats it. This tells about a different family other than the logans for once. I think that is better because some of her books can stress but Road to Memphis is successful and fun to read. Mississippi Bridge sucks though. ... Read more

Product Description
Cassie Logan, a young black woman in 1940s Mississippi, becomes caught up in a tense confrontation between blacks and whites--three days of turmoil and unrest that will change her life forever. Reprint.Coretta Scott King Award. C. H. SLJ. AB. K. Amazon.com Review
The third novel in a series which started with Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,The Road to Memphis catches up with the Logan family in 1941. Cassieis entering her last year of high school in Jackson, Mississippi and herolder brother Stacey is driving his first car. After a family trip toMemphis, a sequence of events, including pregnancy, death and the intrusionsof Pearl Harbor and World War II wreaks havoc on the family, threatening toseparate them from each other, perhaps forever. Drawing upon their strengthas a family and the support of their community, the Logans fight forsurvival, particularly Cassie, who dreams ofbecoming a lawyer. The Roadto Memphis won the 1991 Coretta Scott King Award. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

Good book
This book teaches about racism, and how it was back in the 1940's. This is a good history lesson for kids.

Great realistic fiction

This book was great.I read it for my class assignment .It is realistic because everyone knows how Blacks were tortured, and mistreatedin those days.I admire the ways the characters use their brains tosolve their problems and go on with their lives.Some kid said it made whites look mean.It is not the book that does that it is just true history.I think we kids shouldmore history and sstuff instead of just reading about fantasy.
anjie UK

My Opinion
This was a book I was assigned to read for school. When I first saw it, I was demolished because I thought the book would be boring, because normally I like fantasy novels with wars between dragons and wizards and such. But when I finished this book, I was amazed at how intruiging it was. The plot is all carefully and well melded together, starting from the incident to... well maybe you should read the book. The only I put 4 is because this book seems to discriminate white people, or make them look mean, like how the white people did to the black people in the book. But this is just my opinion. You should read the book, and see for yourself.

My Opinion
This was a book I was assigned to read for school. When I first saw it, I was demolished because I thought the book would be boring, because normally I like fantasy novels with wars between dragons and wizards and such. But when I finished this book, I was amazed at how intruiging it was. The plot is all carefully and well melded together, starting from the incident to... well maybe you should read the book. The only I put 4 is because this book seems to discriminate white people, or make them look mean, like how the white people did to the black people in the book. But this is just my opinion. You should read the book, and see for yourself.

Cassie Logan
I would recommend this book because it speaks the truth and it doesn't hold anything back. I think that people who came from this background would like the story because it's our nature. It's easier for people who came from a similar background; it would be easier to understand.Some are used to hearing real southern slang 24/7. They can get into depth as I did, and relate to the story.They can read," in between the lines", the message is more clearly sent. This book was so real and you felt like you were there. I personally think that it wasn't hard to concentrate on the story because it was such a page-turner. Something was always exciting or causing anxiety. I learned a lot of things by reading this book. The message that was mainly focused was that racism wasn't a joke. For some people, the details got too emotional.The Road to Memphis was a terrific book. ... Read more

Product Description
During a drought, the Logan family shares its well water with all its neighbors, black and white alike. But David and Hammer find it hard to share with Charlie Simms, who torments them because they are black. "A brief but compelling story about prejudice and the saving power of human dignity".--"School Library Journal". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

A PRETTY GOOD DEPICTION
I AM AN OLDER READER AND I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE VERY GOOD.
THE USE OF THE "N" WORD GOT TO BE A LITTLE GRATING--I REALIZE
THE AUTHOR WAS BEING ""REAL""---BUT---IT WAS STILL GRATING.

The Well
The Well is a book that works into lesson plans for Black History month very easily.

The author of the book helps elementary age students understand the racial tension that reached its tenacles far beyond the Civil War and made the Civil Rights Movement in our nation a necessity.

I would encourage every teacher to have a classroom set of this book to use to help explain that hatred and racism can be overcome. It may take years, but each small victory is simply a rung in the ladder to success.

Read it, I think you'll agree.

CGE Student Review
I just read this amazing book titled The Well by: Mildred D. Taylor. Mildred has also written books like Roll of Thunder Hear my CryandThe Friend Ship Circle.She mostly writes in historical fiction. In her books she likes having individuals treated equally, no matter their race.
Mildred writes about prejudice times with excruciating details. She wrote about two boys named David and Hammer Logan. My favorite character is Hammer, mostly because he expresses his feelings by telling this story.
I have some back round knowledge about those harsh times. I know that there were many people were being treated very harsh fully. Sometimes they were still treated like slaves, even though the war was over. In the beginning of the book everybody's well went dry except for the Logan's well. Mama said it was a gift from the Gods. But the Logan's were a black family, they lived in Mississippi. Since it was the only good water in that town Mama said she was willing to share it with everybody, even white folks.
There is a white boy named Charlie he causes trouble, a lot of trouble. He doesn't like the Logan's. But one day David gets Charlie fired up and mad! Charlie does something horrible for everyone, but mostly for the Logan's. What will happen? Will Charlie get caught? Do they break the ice and become friends? Or will this last forever? You won't know until you read it!
I would recommend this book to people who like to read about the past or history. Also, people who have to get to the next page or can't wait to finish the book.

This Book Is Da Bomb
This book was a very good book, i think the book could be a little bit longer, but it was a good book.
The well has some bad language so i would not recomend this book for youngsters. It isbetter for older kids.

realy GOOD book
This book is realy good but not good for young ages. It has violence and bad language. It shows how black people weretreated by whites, and it makes you angry but you keep turning the pages. If you get this book you will like it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Look Into The Past
This book is a great book for readers to get a detailed look at living in the segregated South. The main character and her family are simply trying to make ends meet in order to keep their land. The Logan family experience all of the injustices of being Black and land owners in a time when it was uncommon. I enjoyed this book and I think it is a great reminder of a time that was not that long ago. Readers can see how things once were and learn from the past. ... Read more

Product Description
Ages 10 and up. Pub: 9/96.In the deep south of the 1930s and early 40s, Cassie Logan and her family stand together and stand proud to defy racial prejudice and violence. Now, to commemorate Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry's 20th anniversary, the unforgettable saga of the Logan family is available in a boxed set--Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Let the Circle Be Unbroken and The Road to Memphis.Amazon.com Review
It takes near impossible determination and courage for a familyto remain together in the face of brutal racist attacks, illness,poverty, and betrayal. But in the Deep South of the 1930s and '40s,Cassie Logan and her family manage not only to stay together, but todraw strength from their adversity. Mildred D. Taylor's classic trioabout the Logan family has been the recipient of many distinguishedawards, including the Newbery Medal (for Roll of Thunder, Hear MyCry) and two Coretta Scott King Awards (for Let the Circle BeUnbroken and The Road to Memphis). Starting at age 9,Cassie begins learning about things no one should ever have toencounter: humiliation, prejudice, brutal violence, and profoundinjustice. At the same time, though, her family teaches Cassie and herthree brothers about dignity, pride, and respect for humanity. Thetrilogy follows the Logan family through the Depression and into WorldWar II, as they confront tragic loss and joyful triumphs. By the age of17, Cassie is dreaming of college and law school, but still battlinghorrific racism. This is a tremendously powerful, dramatic, andbeautifully written series. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

What's true, what's not?
The problem with a historical fiction book based on first-hand accounts is that the reader never knows what's true and what isn't. The general depiction of segregation in the Depression era South is accurate, but some specifics are questionable: for instance, Mr. Morrison's parents being from "bred stock." The author, a member of the Black Power movement, clearly had an agenda, and we can't be sure that she wasn't about to let the facts stand in the way of a good story. Thus we are reluctant to recommend the book when there are others, written as non-fiction, which don't require the reader to guess which parts are true and which are totally made up. Books like Black Boy and Black Like Me come to mind. Or I might mention the Jean Fritz books, with a section in the back carefully giving the historical basis for claims made in the text.

There are also some weaknesses in the plot. First of all, Cassie never accounts for how her grandfather, a former slave, was able to buy 200 acres on credit, nor how he was able to get credit to buy another 200 acres a few years later.Also, it's a bit hard to believe that a smart girl like Cassie could reach the age of nine without realizing what segregation was all about. It may be for the benefit of the reader to have it spelled out for her, but Cassie would have long since known.

Very Cool
I think this book was great. I read this book for my book report. I enjoyed the whole plot of it all. I enjoyed it being told from a 9-year-olds point of view. I like that Ms. Taylor didn't let everything just pop out. Like Cassie's parents just didn't tell her everything. She found out most of the stuff either by sneaking around or by asking Stacey her older brother. Some of the parts were confusing. And others were a little boring, well I shouldn't say that I guess slow going is the word. Overall I think this book was very exciting and you should buy it why you can. I promise you YOU WON'T BE SORRY!

Roll of Thunder Hear My Thoughts
I gave this book a 4. I thought it was a great book. I enjoyed reading it.The reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 is beause there were some parts of the story that I got confused and didnt understand what was going on.It took me a while to understand some of the stuff they were talking about.Some parts I thought were slow and kind of boring.I would have liked it if they showed T.J. having the conversation with the Wallaces about Mrs.Logan.
The Characters in this story were very realistic.The book was very well written with detail and as I was reading it I could picture what was going on.I liked how the book was written through the eyes of a young girl whose name was Cassey.Cassey was very brave and willing to do anything for her family.I think she takes after her Uncle Hammer.This book reminds me of the book Watsons Go To Birmingham.When I was in seventh grade I read the prequil to roll of Thunder called"the Land" and now that I have read Roll of Thunder I understand better what is going on with the family.
I thought this book was excellent and it helped me understand what black families went through.I liked the overall purpose of the book and the subject of it.The Logans are trying to get all their bills payed so that their land doesn't get taken away from them.It is uniquely written because the kids dont't know what is going on and how the white families treat black people out side of their town.You can deffinately tell that the don't know what prejudice people act like to them when they take the trip to Strawberry.

Roll of thunder hear my cry
THIS IS THE GREATEST BOOK I EVER READ!!!!!! I Would recomend this to anyone with good taste it has a lot of detail and meaning I give it a 5 cause of the great storyline

These Books Are the best
I think this book is great. All children should read it sooner or later.It shows all the racail and economic problems during the Greatr Depression. Please read this book. It is a good learning operatunaty and a great source of entertainment. This book is full of drama and has aq suprise around every corner. ... Read more

Product Description
Mildred Taylor was a quiet and shy girl. She loved to daydream and read. She loved to read so much, she hid wherever she could to read without interruptions. Sometimes she even read in the closet! Mildred also loved to hear the stories told by her parents and her aunts and uncles. When she tried to tell her classmates about some of those stories, they wouldn't believe her. This was during the time in U.S. history known as segregation. Mildred's white classmates couldn't believe the brutal or heroic details she recounted. This didn't stop Mildred. She decided she would tell her true stories about strong and courageous African Americans. She would become a writer. In this Classic Storytellers biography, readers get to know the hardships and triumphs of one of America's best storytellers for young people, Mildred Taylor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An informative, engaging treatise on Taylor's life and work.
Taylor has been a leading writer of young adult literature and the appearance of a literary and biographical sketch of the author provides an important critical analysis of her works, especially suitable for youngadults providing reviews of author contributions. Presenting Mildred D.Taylor surveys the themes, history and background of all her novels andprovides important insights. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete guide to teaching the Newbery Award winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This is very historically entertaining
If you are interested in historical fiction books, this is the book for you. It really grabs your attention and really keeps you interested. This book is full of many surprises that you won't expect. It has good morals and is entertaining for all ages. It reads quickly and is just a good book. About the post-slavery treatment and is a great book to read in the classroom. Deffinitely a thumbs up.

it got five stars
i gave it five stars.becauseit was.goo

this book is really stupid
I had to read this book for 9th grade Advanced English and it was really boring. It was pure torture to get up and read the thing. Maybe if I had read it when I was 8, I would have enjoyed it, but for now, it's on my listof "Most Awful Required Reading Books".

Read this book right now.
I had to read this book for school and I really think more people should. In this book you really see what the differences between black and white people are. The reason I appreciated this book is that it gives you a clearview on how black people were treated (even now there're still people whotreat black people badly). I think that you can decrease racism by showingpeople how it is to be discriminated. By reading such a book you can showthem this and I think you'll have to start at an early age with this. Thereason: children of now are the future of you and me. All in all Irecommend this book to anyone who's interested in this subject or has toread a book (for example for school) about this subject.

wonderful book would to tell others to read it for content
I loved reading this book there were so many hidden details in it that made it impossible to put down. All the little details made the book so absolutely wonderful to read. Now I have to find the sequils!!!! It's justso wonderful that it's hard from keeping the beens in the sack so to speak.I want to tell! 5 stars all the way!!! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Teaching Tool
Teaching the Selected Works of Mildred D. Taylor (Young Adult Novels in the Classroom) is an excellent tool for using Mildred Taylor books in your classroom.I used 5 different books to do literature circles in my social studies class and this book helped tremendously in preparing questions and activities.Mildred Taylor books are an excellent way to teach about racial injustice, and using Teaching the Selected Works of Mildred D. Taylor (Young Adult Novels in the Classroom) made the unit even more of a success. Excellent, ready to use, teacher friendly resource! ... Read more