Land

Mildred D. Taylor's 'The Land' is a compelling historical fiction novel, serving as a prequel to her acclaimed Logan family saga. It chronicles the early life of Paul-Edward Logan, Cassie Logan's grandfather, from age nine into his mid-twenties in the post-Civil War American South. Paul-Edward, a biracial boy, faces intense prejudice from both Black and white communities, as well as betrayal within his own family. The story powerfully explores themes of identity, racial injustice, perseverance, and the deep-seated desire for land and independence. Parents should be aware of the mature themes, including prominent racism, violence, and character death, which are handled with historical accuracy and emotional depth, making it suitable for late elementary to middle school readers ready for a challenging and rewarding historical narrative.

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.