Theme is an important element to any piece of literature. The Common Core wants students to be able to identify themes and pick out details from the text to support their choices. There are many major and minor themes prevalent in this story. One prominent theme of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is the importance of family. Cassie is well aware of the importance of family throughout the book, and there are several instances when Cassie, or other characters, talk about family and what it means to them.
Cassie and Stacey are surprised when Jeremy says he doesn't like his siblings. To the Logans, family is family, and is more important than anything else.
Big Ma tells Cassie about the past. Cassie has heard these stories before, but still wants to hear about her family.
During the time of Reconstruction, southern soldiers attacked the Morrison home. His mother got him away from the violence, but she and the rest of his family were killed. Mr. Morrison forced himself to remember. Now he has found a new family.
Other possible themes and motifs to look for and discuss:
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.