1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taylor, Mildred. 2001. THE LAND. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0803719507
2. PLOT SUMMARY
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mildred Taylor’s prequel to ROLL OF THUNDER HEAR MY CRY focuses on the life of Paul-Edward Logan. Paul-Edward grew up torn between the two sides of his family. The son of a slave and wealthy land owner, Paul-Edward has never fit in. After a family disagreement, Paul-Edward runs away vowing to never return to the land he loved. His friendship with the son of a sharecropper, Mitchell, is the only thing that connects him to his past. Together, Paul-Edward and Mitchell work together to create a new life for themselves on land they can call their own.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
THE LAND begins slowly as the reader is introduced to the main character, Paul-Edward Logan. Taylor wants the reader to be keenly aware of the insecurities Paul-Edward feels being of mixed race. Readers of all races will be able to relate in some way because we all have our own insecurities. The friendship between Paul-Edward and Mitchell also slowly develops. Although this technique can be frustrating to the reader at times, it is realistic of a friendship that evolves over the years. The deep friendship that eventually develops was carefully crafted by Taylor and the reader appreciates it more. When Paul-Edward sits with Mitchell on his deathbed, the reader will deeply reflect on their years of friendship. The emotion of the moment was very strong.
Taylor crafts another excellent character by creating Paul-Edward’s love interest, Caroline Perry. When Paul-Edward is introduced to the strong-willed character, Caroline, the reader will feel the energy change. Caroline is a ball of energy and is able to keep up with Paul-Edward and Mitchell. Even when Mitchell and Caroline marry, the reader can sense the fondness between Paul-Edward and Caroline. It was not surprising that those characters ended up together after Mitchell’s death.
THE LAND is an excellent book to share with students learning about Reconstruction and the trials of sharecropping. Taylor definitely doesn’t sugarcoat the past. Her use of the “n” word is common but used appropriately in the setting. Teachers can use this book to start meaningful discussions about racism and race in America.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
THE LAND begins slowly as the reader is introduced to the main character, Paul-Edward Logan. Taylor wants the reader to be keenly aware of the insecurities Paul-Edward feels being of mixed race. Readers of all races will be able to relate in some way because we all have our own insecurities. The friendship between Paul-Edward and Mitchell also slowly develops. Although this technique can be frustrating to the reader at times, it is realistic of a friendship that evolves over the years. The deep friendship that eventually develops was carefully crafted by Taylor and the reader appreciates it more. When Paul-Edward sits with Mitchell on his deathbed, the reader will deeply reflect on their years of friendship. The emotion of the moment was very strong.
Taylor crafts another excellent character by creating Paul-Edward’s love interest, Caroline Perry. When Paul-Edward is introduced to the strong-willed character, Caroline, the reader will feel the energy change. Caroline is a ball of energy and is able to keep up with Paul-Edward and Mitchell. Even when Mitchell and Caroline marry, the reader can sense the fondness between Paul-Edward and Caroline. It was not surprising that those characters ended up together after Mitchell’s death.
THE LAND is an excellent book to share with students learning about Reconstruction and the trials of sharecropping. Taylor definitely doesn’t sugarcoat the past. Her use of the “n” word is common but used appropriately in the setting. Teachers can use this book to start meaningful discussions about racism and race in America.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Gr. 7-12. Like Taylor's Newbery Medal book, ROLL OF THUNDER HEAR MY CRY (1976), this powerful historical novel, a prequel to ROLL OF THUNDER, refuses to "whitewash" history. As the author notes in her afterword, the language was painful and life was painful for many African Americans, including her family. Drawing directly on her family history, especially what she knows about her great-grandfather, she goes back to the time of Reconstruction to tell a searing story of cruelty, racism, and betrayal. She also tells a thrilling coming-of-age story about friendship, hope, and family strength.
Taylor's characters are drawn without sentimentality. Not all whites are demonized; some whites help Paul. But many are vicious racists, like the farmers who don't want blacks owning land nearby. The "n" word hits like a blow each time it's used. But, as the author writes, that's what her grandfather endured. Let's hope that the historical truth, the words, and the violence don't cause adult censors to keep this landmark book from young adults who will want to read it and talk about it.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The Land by Mildred Taylor (Putnam, 2001) is a wonderful novel of close friendship, harsh prejudices, and deep yearning. Fans of the author's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Dial, 1976) saga will enjoy learning how the love of the land was instilled into the family through the story of Paul-Edward Logan, Cassie's grandfather.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· Read ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY and draw parallels between the main characters.
· Students should be allowed to have thoughtful conversations after tense racial moments in the book.
· Tie together with THE GLORY FIELD by Walter Dean Myers to examine the struggle of African Americans over the years.
Taylor's characters are drawn without sentimentality. Not all whites are demonized; some whites help Paul. But many are vicious racists, like the farmers who don't want blacks owning land nearby. The "n" word hits like a blow each time it's used. But, as the author writes, that's what her grandfather endured. Let's hope that the historical truth, the words, and the violence don't cause adult censors to keep this landmark book from young adults who will want to read it and talk about it.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The Land by Mildred Taylor (Putnam, 2001) is a wonderful novel of close friendship, harsh prejudices, and deep yearning. Fans of the author's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Dial, 1976) saga will enjoy learning how the love of the land was instilled into the family through the story of Paul-Edward Logan, Cassie's grandfather.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· Read ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY and draw parallels between the main characters.
· Students should be allowed to have thoughtful conversations after tense racial moments in the book.
· Tie together with THE GLORY FIELD by Walter Dean Myers to examine the struggle of African Americans over the years.
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