THE LAND

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taylor, Mildred D. 2001. THE LAND. New York. Phylis Fogelman Books. ISBN 0803719507.

PLOT SUMMARY
This prequel to the Newbery Award winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is the story of Paul-Edward Logan, the Grandfather of Cassie Logan. Paul-Edward is the son of a white plantation owner and a former slave. Although his father acknowledges him and his siblings, they are still unable to sit at the dinner table when there are white guests. As Paul gets older, he feels confused and resentment towards his father and is unable to fit into either the black world or the white world. At fourteen, he decides to run away to seek the one fortune he so desires, land. Taylor takes readers on a journey through Paul’s struggles and triumphs of acquiring his cherished land and finally making his dream a reality.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This 2002 Coretta Scott King Award-winning book tells an inspiring story of Paul-Edwards heart-breaking adventures of acquiring his dream of possessing his own land. The story is set in Mississippi during the late 1800’s after the Civil War. Taylor poignantly describes the aftermath of slavery in the Deep South. She brings history to life by her remarkable storytelling. Readers will feel a sense of sadness when Paul runs away and is unable to return home. They will also cheer when he overcomes many obstacles and fulfills his life-long dream of obtaining his land. The characters are well-developed and the well-rounded storyline helps readers understand the trials and tribulations people had to endure at that time. Taylor’s depiction of Paul’s determination and resiliency will have readers wanting to know more about his complete journey of hope and resolve.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review from Booklist: Readers…will grab this and be astonished by its powerful story.
Review from Publishers Weekly: Taylor’s gift for combining history and storytelling are as evident here as in her other stories about the Logan family. Taylor fans should hasten to read this latest contribution to the Logan family history, and newcomers will eagerly lap this up and plunge into the author’s other titles.
Review from School Library Journal: This historical novel brings this period of American history to life.

CONNECTIONS
Other books by Mildred D. Taylor:
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
The Road to Memphis
The Friendship
Let the Circle be Unbroken
Song of the Trees
The Well: David’s Story
Mississippi Bridge
The Gold Cadillac