Reading Guide—Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Why do you think TJ acts the way he does?
How does the death of TJ affect you?
Should Miss Crocker have been scared? Why or why not?
The blurb reads “…nobody, no matter what colour, is better than anybody else.” How do you respond to this idea?
Does TJ deserve his fate?
“I was intrigued by the start of the book—I ‘got into’ it right away”. What do you think?
What is the ‘message’ of this book?
How do you respond to Little Man? Why?
I would like to ‘rewrite’ this book from a white person’s point of view. Would you?
How far have race relations improved since the time of the novel?
‘I found the book tedious’. Did you?
Is the ending of the book satisfying? Why or why not?
What is your reaction to the title? Do you think it was a good choice?
Is the book more interesting when ‘action’/violence are used? Why?
What use is Christopher John in the story?
Should we be ‘quiet’ about the past, like Mama? Why or why not?
Are Cassie and Little Man guilty for Mama losing her job? Why or why not?
Should Cassie have tried to teach Lillian Jean a lesson?
How would you respond to Cassie’s stresses? Why?
Is Uncle Hammer an exaggerated character? Why or why not?
How do you respond to Mildred Taylor’s style?
How did you react to the passages in the book about “The Land”?
Should Cassie trust her Mama? Why or why not? How does their relationship affect the novel?
Is TJ a friend or an enemy?
Do you feel sympathy for Stacey?
Is this novel an effective discussion of racism? Why or why not?
Why did Mildred Taylor write this book?
Is there stereotyping in the novel?
Do you think this book could have been written better? Why?
“Taylor’s style made me want to carry on reading”. Do you agree?
After reading this book, would you want to read any more of Taylor’s work? Why or why not?
What was your favourite episode in the book?
How would you respond to segregation? Why?
“This book is boring”. Justified?
Who would you recommend this book to—and why?
Is this book an accurate reflection of racism? Why or why not?
What is the genre of this book? Why?
What was your favourite subplot? Why?
Did this book affect you emotionally? Why?
Is it easy to review this book?
Is this a ‘sad’ or uplifting book?
“This author is brilliant”. Do you agree?
Is this a ‘girl’ book or a ‘boy’ book?
