Mildred D. Taylor Books In Order

Publication Order of Logan Family Saga Books

Chronological Order of Logan Family Saga Books

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Jerry Pinkney as Illustrator Books

An American author of children’s literature, the writer Mildred D. Taylor has been putting out work for a long time now on a regular basis, having become one of the most prominent voices within the industry over the years, creating much loved stories that recollect her past as well as that of her culture growing up in the United States. Living through segregation as an African-American woman, she would write about many of her experiences that she would witness growing up under such circumstances. Over the course of her life this would come to shape much of her work as an author, as she would essentially collect and collate these anecdotes together, relating her experiences to others. This has lead to many championing her as very much a writer of her time and background, bringing to life the past, allowing it to essentially remain unforgotten by future generations to follow. Giving her opinion on such subjects as the ‘Great Depression’ she would come to make herself heard, as she would also opine on topics such as slavery too, examining the economic crisis of the times. With many of her stories reflecting this, she would manage to create detailed accounts almost that, whilst being fictionalized, would neither-less relate the hardships of the times in great detail. She would also go on to create iconic characters, as they would stand testament to her accounts of the times, allowing the era to come alive, whilst she would essentially be providing her own outlook through the medium as well. Over the course of her career she has managed to amass a large backlog of work, along with which she has also gained a large following of fans too, as she has attracted readers from all across the globe. This is something that will carry on into the future, as he legacy is one that will continue to live on for quite some time to come.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1943 on the 13th of September, Mildred DeLois Taylor would grow up with a strong fascination for the written word, as well as the culture and heritage that surrounded her. Over the years this would come to shape a large portion of her career, as she would come to relate her experiences growing up through segregation as an African-American, whilst also detailing the fallout of the Great Depression too. Attending the University of Toledo, which she graduated from in 1965, she would go on to pursue this craft at a higher level, nurturing and refining her voice as an author. Still writing to this day, her name and career will live on for quite some time to come, as there’s plenty more planned on the horizon still.

Writing Career

Bringing out her first book in 1975, she would make her debut with the title ‘Song of the Trees’, a novel which would also be the first charting the lives of the Logan family. Later followed by three subsequent sequels, it would have ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’ following it in 1976, along with ‘Let the Circle Be Unbroken’ in 1981 and ‘The Road to Memphis’ in 1990. There would also be a prequel titled ‘The Land’ which she would write in 2001, as they would all come together to make one of her most comprehensive series to date. This would be backed up through the awards that she won, including the Newbery Medal in 1977, which she received for ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’. Winning a lot more awards in the years to follow, she has become one of the most prolific authors currently working within her field, something which will continue for many years yet.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Originally published through the ‘Dial Press’ publishing label, this would be the second title to feature the recurring Logan family. Incorporating a lot of the now well known staples of Taylor writing style, this would make a large impact on its first initial release back in 1976. Coming out as essentially the fourth book chronologically in the Logan family franchise, it would also have a few prequels released at a later date behind it.

Charting the difficulties of one African-American family growing up within the midst of segregation, it sees them attempting to keep their land despite the hardships surrounding them. Taking a look at one of the most difficult times in America’s history, it examines this turbulent era through the eyes of its leading characters. Setting the tone of the era, the landscape is also used to great effect here too, as it really evokes the period that it’s set within.

The land that the Logans lay claim to is of great importance to them, as they seek to maintain a place they can call home within all the difficulties. Taking place over the course of one difficult year, including night riders and burnings, along with a white girl humiliating the young Cassie in public over the color of her skin, they’re learning what’s important to them. With the land being the source of their lifeblood, it is essentially what gives them their power and sense of kinship, something which they decide that nobody can take away from them. Will they remain true to themselves and their legacy? Can they stay together amidst it all? What will happen as they claim ‘roll of thunder, hear my cry’?

The Friendship

Working essentially as a stand-alone title, this would originally come out in 1987, as it would come to show many of the now trademark staples from Taylor as an author. Showing the hypocrisies of segregation era racism, it really captures the feel of the time. Released for children, it has been enjoyed by readers of all ages since.

Saving John Wallace when he was just a young white boy, the African-American Mr. Tom Bee was allowed to call him by his first name. Over the years though, their friendship has been tested by their racial differences, largely due to the era of segregation that they are living through. With John wanting Tom to start calling him by his second name once again as they grow older, all whilst John and his wife continue to call Tom by his first, tensions build between the two as John comes to own his own shop. Will things ever be the same between them? Can they overcome their differences and remain friends? What will become of their friendship?

2 Responses to “Mildred D. Taylor”

1. Ria: 2 years ago

   All I can say is…This series is absolutely INCREDIBLE.

   Reply
2. Patricia: 2 years ago

   I’m reading book #2, loving it.

   Reply