The Land

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to question the complexities of their identity or expressing a deep desire for independence and ownership in an unfair world. This powerful prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry follows Paul-Edward Logan, a young man of mixed race growing up in the post-Civil War South. Born to a white father and a formerly enslaved mother, Paul navigates a world where he is neither fully accepted by white society nor entirely at home within the Black community. The story is a masterclass in resilience as Paul works tirelessly to fulfill his dream of owning his own land. It addresses heavy themes of systemic racism, the nuances of colorism, and the sheer grit required to build a legacy against all odds. While the historical setting is brutal, the emotional core focuses on self-reliance and the search for dignity. It is an essential read for mature middle or high schoolers ready to discuss how history shapes our modern understanding of justice and belonging.