Roll of thunder, hear my cry

Mildred D. Taylor

Cover of Roll of thunder, hear my cry

Roll of thunder, hear my cry

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Mildred D. Taylor

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion
Newbery Medal

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Set in the 1930s South, this powerful story follows a Black family's struggle against racism and injustice as they protect each other and their land. Through the eyes of the young Logan children, readers witness courage, family bonds, and the fight for dignity in a harsh world. Their journey reveals the challenges and strength found in standing up to unfairness.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include racial discrimination, fear & anxiety, family change. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Racial Discrimination Fear & Anxiety Family Change
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

7/10

Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

276 pages
65,606 words
7h 17m read-aloud
ISBN
0803726473
Pages
276
Publisher
Dial Books
Published
2001
Type
Fiction
Word Count
65,606
Read-Aloud
~7h 17m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

African AmericansLogan FamilyPrejudicesDepressions1929MississippiRace Relations