In this lesson, students examine the links between slavery and civil rights through the story of a young Black girl Cassie, growing up in Mississippi in the 1930's. By examining the language and social context of Mildred D. Taylor's book 'Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry', teacher Tracey Marquis encourages the students to enter the world of the young characters in the book. Students read aloud using an authentic southern accent and begin to get to grips with the moral dilemmas that face both the Black and the White characters and investigate what segregated life was like in America in the decades leading up to the civil rights movement.

Video Series: Great Lesson Ideas
Release Date 2010