Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Why Are Books So Offensive?

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor



My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book when I read it as a kid and again when I had to read it for an English class. The characters are interesting and I especially loved Cassie. She's a bit naive but I love her spirit. The troubles that the family has is sometimes heart breaking.

Going back to the previous post on the ALA's Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books of 2000-2009, this book was number 66. I really don't understand what makes this book so offensive.

I was wondering recently, what is it about books that make some people so upset? Libraries provide a service by having a variety of books available to the public. They aren't forcing people to read something. It is the reader's option. I was also wondering if movie rental places have people challenge the movies they have for rent? You aren't forced to watch something, it's your choice and you are charged for it.

So what makes a book the "bad guy"? I don't think it can be generalized. My best guess is that certain topics challenge the way people think and they don't like it. I, personally, like to be challenged. I want to be able to experience new things when I read a book, like walking through a doorway into another world. It's the only real magic we have.

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