Cassie Logan's personal courage serves her well during a dangerous trip in Stacey's new car. Although the journey lasts only three days and nights, the distance is greater than geographic, because Cassie is traveling away from her loving rural Mississippi family in 1941. Few choices existed then for most African-American young adults; some of the options are represented in the circumstances of Cassie and her friends. However, these teenagers did have the resources of a mid-twentieth century underground railroad, an informal network of adults who could aid them in those times of no public accommodations laws or other civil rights legislations. Taylor's powerful narrative recreates the tensions and perils of that time and place. This historically accurate and emotionally authentic novel stands on its own for anyone unfamiliar with Taylor's earlier works. Winner, 1990 CCBC Newbery Book Discussion and Co-Winner, 1990 CCBC Coretta Scott King Book Award for Writing Book Discussion. (Age 12 and older)

A stunning repackage of a companion to Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, with cover art by two-time Caldecott Honor Award winner Kadir Nelson!

As America hovers on the brink of war, seventeen year-old Cassie Logan fights a battle closer to home. She dreams of college and law school. But no amount of schooling can prepare her for the violent explosion that takes place when her friend Moe lashes out at his white tormentors--an action unheard of in Mississippi as the country prepares for World War II. Moe will be in even greater danger if he stays in town, so it is up to Cassie, her brother, and their friends to accompany Moe on the road to Memphis--and to safety.


"Cassie recounts harrowing events during late 1941. An engrossing picture of fine young people endeavoring to find the right way in a world that persistently wrongs them."—Kirkus Reviews

"An enlightening, moving novel."—Publishers Weekly