Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Critique

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Critique

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor, centers around the African American Logan family in Mississippi during 1933. Their struggles and successes are all narrated by Cassie Logan, one of the daughters in the Logan family. She primarily focuses on her family, specifically their struggles with racism and how they overcome it. This book does not deal with light issues, instead tackling racism, discrimination and overcoming disadvantages. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry deals with these difficult issues in a way that even children can understand, doing so through the character of Cassie. I believe that this story would withstand the test of time because of the theme of family, the writing style used by the author, and its ability to deal with difficult social issues prevalent in 1933 Mississippi. 

In Mississippi in 1933, racism and discrimination towards African Americans were extremely prevalent and are prominently portrayed in this book. These can be difficult to write about, even for an adult audience, but this book does an excellent job of handling these topics and presenting them well to a child audience. I believe that the main reason it is able to do so is because the book is told through a child’s perspective. How Cassie and her siblings react to these issues would be ones that a child audience would relate to better than an adult’s reaction. One example of this is when Little Man reacts to receiving his reader. When he got his book, at first he was unimpressed with the poor condition. He eventually accepts it “But as he stared at the book’s inside cover, his face clouded, changing from sulky acceptance to puzzlement…he sucked in his breath and sprang from his chair like a wounded animal, flinging the book onto the floor and stomping madly upon it (Taylor, 1976, p. 24). Little Man’s strong reaction was due to the fact that on the inside cover, the school district recorded who had the book as well as what race they were, referring to the African Americans as “nigra” (Taylor, 1976, p. 25). Little Man’s rash reaction is one that I believe the children reading the book will relate to. Even though the children reading this book may have learned about racism and racial protests, children may not fully grasp why these protests were such a big deal. By seeing racism through a child’s eyes and seeing how upset they are, this would allow the child audience to better understand the social issues at that time. 

Another reason this book withstands the test of time is because of the theme of family. The way the Logan family makes it through these difficult times of racism and discrimination is by strengthening their familial bonds and sticking by each other’s side, no matter what. Trust in your family continually comes up throughout the book. After Berry was burned, the African American community was devastated at this blatant demonstration of racisms. The Logan family came together and declared that “‘In this family, we don’t shop at the Wallace store’” (Taylor, 1976, p. 41). It was a declaration of solidarity; The Logan family stays together. Another example of the strength in the Logan family is their unquestioning acceptance of Mr. Morrison (Taylor, 1976, pp. 34-37). Even though there may have been some uncertainty about Mr. Morrison, the family trusted Papa and took Mr. Morrison in. The Logan family demonstrates how a family has to be strong, and how they have to trust each other, especially during difficult times. 

Finally, the writing style used by the author engages a child audience and gives this book many unique contributions to children’s literature. Rather than the dialogue being written grammatically correct, the author chooses to convey the characters’ southern accent and way of talking through onomatopoeia. An example of this: “‘Ain’t heard nothin’ ‘bout yo’ husband, ma’am’” (Taylor, 1976, p. 60). Many times the first or last letter in a word would be cut off, which is typical in a southern dialect. The use of ma’am and sir are also very common in the South, and Taylor realizes and uses them. This southern dialect adds to the Mississippi setting and atmosphere of the book. Another unique writing style of this author is the portrayal of the characters in her book. Rather than individuals, the characters are almost always in groups. This leaves little to no room for a focus on individual characters and their development, but allows for group dynamics to play a more important role. What T.J. told Stacey encompasses the importance of having a group: “‘Friends gotta trust each other, Stacy, ‘cause ain’t nothin’ like a true friend.’” (Taylor, 1976, p. 77). Throughout the book, the characters are always in groups, and the groups are referenced more often than the individuals. The author in many cases only gives the characters informal names, in the case of TJ, RW, and Big Ma. This shows that the author places an importance on the group, as a whole, rather than the individual. By using onomatopoeia and focusing on group dynamics instead of individuals, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry stands out in children’s literature as a book that will withstand the test of time. 

This story would withstand the test of time because of it’s unique writing style, it’s ability to present difficult social issues to a child audience and the theme of family. I would give this book a seven out of ten, because the plot draws in a child audience while also dealing with difficult issues, such as discrimination and racism. I have yet to come across a historical fiction book that also bluntly deals with the, at times shocking, social issues that some may say are not appropriate for children in a way that children will understand what was actually happening at that time, yet this book does so well, standing out among other historical fiction books. The theme of family is also one that children can appreciate and relate to, showing that this book can stand the test of time and will be appreciated and read for years to come. 

Works Cited

1. Taylor, M. D. (1991). Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. NY, NY: Puffin Books.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond Critique

The Witch of Blackbird Pond Critique

During the time of the Salem witch trials in New England, a young girl name Katherine travels to a Puritan society from Barbados and has no idea what she is getting herself into. Even though she does not completely know what she is getting herself into, Kit has no where else to go and is out of other options. So she takes the ship named the Dolphin to Hartford Connecticut to go and live with her Aunt and Uncle and cousins. The story follows Katherine, or Kit, through her adventures and struggles in her new home. She learns the importance of having a community of loyal friends and family, and grows and matures from a temperamental child to a young woman. I believe that The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare does withstand the test of time because the major theme presented in the book is one that also transcends time and because the book as a whole is especially relatable to an older child audience. The major theme that is presented in the book is the theme of finding and having a community. 

This books takes place in a severely Puritan, small town in Connecticut during the Salem witch trials. This community does not take well to strangers and generally is wary and not accepting to newcomers, as she was rather rudely told by Goodwife Cruff upon arrival;                “Goodwife Cruff halted and glared at Kit… ‘We do not welcome strangers in this town, and you be the kind we like least.’” (Speare, 1958, 29). The community that Kit falls into, however, is not necessarily the same community as that of the Puritans, though she does eventually and in her own way fall into Puritan community. Kit is, at first, an outcast in the society, as is a widow named Hannah Tupper. Eventually the two become close friends along with the Goodwife Cruff’s daughter, Prudence, a sailor named Nat and an assorted collection of cats. What this ragtag community has in common is that they all are different from those in the Puritan society. Hannah is not a Puritan, but a Quaker and is accused to being a witch, which is a dangerous thing to be accused of during this period in history. Nat has also been banished from the town and if far too rebellious for the Puritans and Prudence has not been treated well by her family. They all eventually find each other and become remarkably loyal to each other, shown through Kit risking her life and reputation to save Hannah Tupper (Speare, 1958, 168) and by Nat and Prudence facing the Puritan community to save Kit from being labeled a witch (Speare, 1958, 194). This shows the reader that each person has their own community and that it might not be the same community that every one else is in, and that is okay and will ultimately make you a happier person. It shows that everyone can find a community that they fit into and belong in. 

Finding a community is something that every person, especially young adults, struggle with and this book presents community in an unconventional way. It shows the strict Puritan society, but not necessarily in a negative light. It simply shows the community in a way that makes it clear that Kit would have trouble fitting into it. Though set in their ways, the Puritans do come to eventually accept Kit and her Uncle Matthew even stands up and defends her while she is on trial for being a witch saying “‘How dare you speak the name of a good, God-fearing girl? Any man who slanders one of my family has me to reckon with!’”(Speare, 1958, 166). Though the community accepts her, they accept her for who she is and Kit, being who she it, knows that she belongs in her other community with Prudence and Hannah Tupper and Nat. This sends the message to the reader that though everyone else is a part of the Puritan community, it is okay that Kit is different and has her own community, which is a powerful message for young adults. 

While the Newbery Medal books are supposed to be directed to a child audience, I personally feel like The Witch of Blackbird Pond is directed to an older child audience. The book is written in a very easy cadence and has a good pace, but the vocabulary is definitely directed towards a slightly older audience and will stretch the readers vocabulary as well, which is something that a slightly older audience will appreciate more. Another reason that makes me believe that it is directed towards and older audience is the plot. It is a historical fiction book and it takes place in an unpleasant period in history; the period when witch trials were very common, specifically the late 1600’s. The plot reflects this rough period in time by having the main character and her family and friends go through difficult times, like when her cousins are struck by the fever (Speare, 1958, 160). While younger children can handle difficult material, it can be related to better and potentially appreciated more by a slightly older child audience. The subplot of the intertwining romances is also one that older children would appreciate more than younger children. The character development of Kit especially also shows how this book is directed towards an older audience. In the beginning she is impulsive and jumps into a river to save a doll without a second thought as to how that would make her look and she is “forever doing foolish things” (Speare, 1958, 16). Then towards the end of the book Kit says that “A month ago her temper would have flared” (Speare, 1958, 206) while she was talking to William Ashby. This shows how she has matured greatly into a young adult and is no longer an impulsive child, which is something that is also relatable to a slightly older child audience. I feel that since the book is directed towards the older audience of children, it stands out and is unique among children’s literature. 

Overall, I would give this book a 9 out of ten. The way the book was written was very captivating and was clearly directed towards a child audience. The characters were relatable as well and there was clear character development and the plot and setting are ones that children would enjoy. I believe that the theme of community and the way it was presented is what sent this book above and beyond for me, since I have not come across a book that tackles the difficult theme of community as well as this one. The theme and the fact that this book could be especially relatable to a slightly older child audience are what make this book a Newbery Medal that withstands the test of time. 

Works Cited

1. Speare, E. G. (1958). The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Critique of The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene DuBois

Here is my critique for the 21 Balloons by William Pene DuBois

The Twenty-One Balloons Critique

There are two kinds of books. Those that withstand the test of time and those that do not. The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene DuBois is one that has proven itself to be a timeless piece of children’s literature that allows the audience to be transported to the fantasy world of William Wallace Sherman. The Twenty-One Balloons written by William Pene DuBois, brings to the world of children’s literature a book specifically geared towards children that is set in an fantastical science fiction world that withstands the test of time and, I believe, would receive a Newbery Medal today. This book presents the theme of the importance of adventure and doing things that you love, is set in a world that supports this theme and that children would find entertaining, and is written in a way that children would find engaging. 

The overarching theme in The Twenty-One Balloons is the theme of adventure and, more specifically, loving and living life to the fullest. The entire plot of the book is centered around the adventure of a former-teacher-turned-balloon-adventurer named William Wallace Sherman who decides that he wants to go and travel in a giant balloon for a year and then ends up crashing on a strange island and meets some wonderful people and sees strange inventions while he is there, and he also accidentally travels around the world. This book not only is centered around adventure and strange mishaps that go along with adventure, but also stresses the importance of adventure, which is something that, I believe, every child needs to hear. Despite his plan to live a year in a balloon going awry, at the end of the book William Wallace Sherman announced that he planned “to spend one full year in the air, on year of truly delightful living, a year in a balloon!” (DuBois, 1947, p.180). Most people would not want to go on another wild adventure after some of the experiences that William Wallace Sherman went on, but he declares that he wants to do it again! This sends a message to children that, though sometimes adventure and things that happen to you in life might be scary and do not go according to plan, you have to be willing to embrace life and everything that it throws you because that truly is the best way to live life. 

The setting of the books also is closely tied to the theme of adventure presented in the book. It is set in a science fiction world and mainly takes place on the island of Krakatoa. On this island, the natives that live there have all sorts of wonderful inventions that our world today does not have including a bed making machine (DuBois, 1947, p. 101-102) and a “Balloon Merry-Go-Round” (DuBois, 1947, p. 118) and the entire island is also under a “Restaurant Government” (DuBois, 1947, p. 87). This fantasy world is one that children would find engaging and one that they would probably like to live in themselves. It also provides children literature with a quality science fiction or fantasy book that can be enjoyed for many years to come. 

Another reason The Twenty-One Balloons would still receive the Newbery Medal today is because of the way the book is written. The author does not oversimplify the story by “dumbing down” the vocabulary and structure to better reach the child’s level. It instead is written in a way that challenges the audience while also entertaining them and still maintaining a wide vocabulary, which many books today lack. A strong example that I found exemplifies the engaging way the book is written is from the beginning of the book when the dome of the building landed in the Indian Reservation. The author here is directly talking to the audience, which proves to be engaging, especially in a book directed towards a child audience. William Pene DuBois writes “Now what do you suppose the Indians did? Did they back away trembling with fear? No. Did they shriek with fright? No” (DuBois, 1947, p. 25). By directly talking to the audience the author is appearing to converse with the audience, which I believe a child audience would find appealing. The author also includes very well done illustrations that go along with the story. The illustrations also serve to draw in a child audience and make them more engaged with the story.

The one stipulation that I have with the book is the lack of character development. The difference between this book and other books that do not have much, if any, character development, is that I did not immediately notice it in The Twenty-One Balloons which leads me to wonder that maybe this was purposeful. In other novels the development of a theme is usually parallel with the development of the character so that one almost cannot happen without the other. This is not the case in this book, however. The theme of the story is instead tied to the plot of the story. The theme of adventure is also found in the fact that William Wallace Sherman did not change his mind about wanting to spend a year in the balloon. So the lack of character development is justified, and possibly necessary, for this particular book. 

If I were to rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8. I believe that this book was geared very well to a child audience and has withstood the test of time because the setting is one that does not age or become less fascinating to a child over time and because the theme of adventure is one that children will always find compelling and entertaining an that The Twenty-One Balloons would receive a Newbery Medal today. 

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze Bashing (oh wait I mean critique)

Wow so I really slacked off on posting papers, but guess what? I'm in college now! I know right, when did that happen? Since I go to the fabulous school that is Austin College (NO not ACC, Austin College in Sherman, Texas) I am taking a CI class (a freshman seminar class) on Newbery Medal winning books. Basically that means I read 11 children's books, write critiques on them and get a grade for it. It's kind of the best. So without further adieu, I present to you my first real college paper:

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze Critique 

Though Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze does provide the readers with and excellent portrayal of the setting in China and develops the theme of wisdom, this novel does not withstand the test of time and I believe that it would not receive a Newbery Medal today. There is not enough character or plot development and is not engaging enough to be awarded a Newbery Medal and withstand the test of time. 

An important factor in determining whether or not a book is deserving of a Newbery Medal is the development and presentation of a theme. Young Fu does present the theme of wisdom throughout the story and there is a continual focus on the importance of wisdom. Young Fu continues to grow and mature and with that he learns important lessons in gaining wisdom. An example of Young Fu growing in wisdom is after he gambles while his mother is away. For a while he was internally debating as to whether or not he should tell his mother that he did gamble. In the end, he decided to tell her, despite the fact that he did not have to, and she asked him why he told her. He responded by saying that he “had to do so” (Lewis, 1932, p. 216). This shows that Young Fu does what is right by telling his mother, and does not just do something because it is easy. The delineation of the setting is another strength of this book and a factor in determining a Newbery Medal winner. The setting of the book takes place in China in the early 1900s and the author does do an excellent job of making the reader feel like they are there in China with Young Fu. A powerful example of this description is when Young Fu first arrives in Chungking. He is awestruck by it’s power; “For Chungking, built high above the waters that swept about its feet, was distinct in its position of port city to all this far, western world” (Lewis, 1932, p. 4). It is also described as “ancient and gray, Chungking opened its gates to let the tides of commerce flow in and our, never failing to reach for the choicest prizes and big them to itself” (Lewis, 1832, p. 4). The author makes the reader seem like they are there in the city and continually and accurately portrays the setting of Chunking throughout the novel. 

However, a book cannot simply rely on the setting and a theme to withstand the test of time. When it comes to the development of the plot and characters, Young Fu falls flat. The development of Young Fu’s wisdom is an example of how the development of the characters is flat. Though the importance of wisdom is an important theme in the book, as character development, it does not provide enough depth for Young Fu. In the example after Young Fu gambled, rather than show that he had developed wisdom, it was told. His mother said “‘You have become a man overnight’” (Lewis, 1932, p.217). This does not provide the character with enough depth and leaves no room for interpretation. The story tells how Young Fu develops by having his mother tell him that he has become a man rather than show it through the story and Young Fu’s actions and providing no depth for the character. 

The plot development also does not provide enough depth for the reader. This story reads like many short stories rather than one interwoven book. Each chapter seems to stand on its own and not connect well to the rest of the story. A chapter will revolve around one main event and will have the traditional beginning, rising climax, climax, falling action and resolution. The entire novel, however, fails to have this. This makes the story seem to end abruptly without any real ending, since there was never a climax to begin with. 

I believe that Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze won the Newbery Medal because of it’s setting, and not because of its other qualities and for that reason would not win a Newbery Medal today. At the time, the setting may have seems exotic and appealing, but now that is not the case and has therefor not withstood the test of time. The lack of depth in the characters and the plot are not enough for a child, or any reader, to become invested in the book. At the time, the book may have been a great contribution to literature, but it has not withstood the test of time since it relied to much on the delineation of setting and did not develop the other criteria. A Newbery Medal deserving book cannot rely on one criteria and still withstand the test of time. 

Works Cited

1. Lewis, E. F., & Low, W. (2008). Young Fu of the upper Yangtze. New York: Square Fish.

Political Speech: Elimination of permanent alimony

This is a political speech I had to do for Rhetoric class. I'm advocating for the elimination of permanent alimony. 

Exordium: 

What happens after happily ever after isn’t so happy anymore? Everything started off perfectly. The wedding went off without a hitch and for the past few years, you two have been happy. But then the relationship took a sour turn. Eventually, the constant arguing and fighting resulted in a divorce. While you are in this messy divorce process you are confronted with the question of alimony. Are we going to pay alimony checks and, more importantly, who is going to pay the alimony checks? How much and how often are they going to be payed? These questions surrounding alimony are ones that every couple going through divorce must face. 

Narratio: 

The original idea behind alimony was that the husband is responsible for his wife, whether or not they get a divorce or stay together. (Dominique). This idea originated from England in the 17th century and appeared in America in 1866 when a wife wanted alimony so that she could keep up the same lifestyle she had before the divorce (Dominique). Alimony itself is when after the divorce one spouse, the payer, makes, usually monthly, payments of a certain amount of money to the other spouse, the recipient. This is not to be confused with child support and though the two are often grouped together, there is a difference. Alimony can be payed to the other spouse whether or not there is a child, but if there is a child in the mix, child support is an additional payment. Permanent alimony, or lifetime alimony, is when the spouse pays the predetermined amount of money (pause) indefinitely. Temporary alimony is just what it sounds like: temporary alimony. This is the more flexible option where the alimony is payed for a limited amount of time and the amount being payed can be changed depending on either of the former spouses financial situations. 

Partitio:

I am arguing that alimony laws be changed to limit the duration of the payments and put a cap on the amount being payed, reserving permanent alimony for special circumstances, determined by the judge. This reform to the current alimony laws should be implemented because  permanent alimony can end up financially crippling the spouse being forced to pay alimony and, secondly, because both women and men are capable of financially providing for themselves. 

Confirmatio: 

In an article titled “The New Art of Alimony”, the author Jennifer Levitz outlines the story of the Caggianos. “When the Caggianos divorced in 2003, they split their assets. He got their home in Cape Cod. She got their home in a Boston suburb, and paid him the $57,000 difference in the value of their homes. Ms. Caggiano earned more at the time, so the court ordered her to pay $125 in weekly alimony until her death or her former husband’s remarriage... Mr. Caggiano, who is 68, said in an interview he had no mortgage and that his girlfriend, who works full-time, has moved in. He says the couple recently traveled to Italy, and that he spent $60,000 to install hardwood floor, granite countertops and big windows... Asked why he should receive alimony, Mr. Caggiano said he sees it as reimbursement for a time early in their marriage when he paid most expenses... Ms. Caggiano says she wants a court to modify her payments but can’t afford an attorney” (Levitz). 

Unfortunately, this is not the only situation where alimony payments have financially crippled the spouse who should not even have had to be making permanent alimony payments in the first place. Massachusetts especially is paving the way for other states in reforming their alimony laws. In an article in USA TODAY, the author Yamiche Alcindor writes that “The new alimony law creates different types of alimony with varying durations, depending on length of marriage and the finances of each spouse. The law also allows those paying alimony to modify their terms later and calls for ending payments if a recipient has a live-in mate or, in most cases, when the payer reaches retirement age” (Alcindor). This allows the recipient of these temporary alimony payments time to get back on their feet and get a job while not indefinitely crippling the payer. It also allows the alimony to be more flexible and can be modified to fit the current financial circumstances of the recipient, and, more importantly, the payer. 

Lastly, alimony laws should be changed to reflect the working situation of women today. For those of you who may not know, this is the 21st century and women are allowed to work and make a living for themselves. In the aforementioned article in USA TODAY, Alcindor states that “In targeted states, alimony laws are decades old. They were written when divorce was rare, and when most women did not work outside the home and faced possible impoverishment after divorce” (Alcindor). In most cases, the permanent alimony is payed by the man, making the women the recipients of the alimony payments. The original and intended purpose of these alimony payments were to take care of the recipient with the presupposed idea that they cannot financially take care of themselves after divorce. This is no longer the case in most divorces, however, but the alimony laws have not changed in many states to reflect that. With temporary alimony and a cap on the amount, it would allow, and give incentive, for the recipient to get back on their feet and get a job so that they can financially support themselves (Levitz). 

Refutatio: 

Two of the main arguments against these reforms are that these newly-single mothers or father will have no way to care for the child and that these changes limit the judges ability to make each case individualized (Levitz). 

Kenneth Altschuler, a divorce lawyer in Portland, says that “It really is an unnecessary exercise in trying to control judges’ decisions... There’s really no need for legislatures to dictate to judges that in certain situation there shouldn’t be lifetime alimony” (Alcindor). These critics think the because of reforms, judges would not be able to allow permanent alimony in cases where it is necessary. These reforms do not necessarily have to completely eliminate permanent alimony, however. In certain cases, at the judges discretion, permanent alimony may be the best for the spouse receiving the payment. For instance, if the spouse is handicapped or is unable to keep a job because of other health reasons, permanent alimony may be acceptable. These reforms would also allow for the terms of the alimony payments to be modified at the judges discretion based on the finances of each spouse. The primary target of these alimony reforms is to replace permanent alimony with temporary alimony in cases where the recipient is capable of financially taking care of themselves. 

Another argument against these reforms is the issue of taking care of children. The main concern is that the spouse is unable to get a job because they are busy taking care of the child. What this ultimately goes back to is the difference between child support and alimony. As I have said before, these are two separate things that are often incorrectly combined together. In these situations, the other spouse would still have to pay for child support, which could include the price of a nanny or daycare. Many schools also offer an after school day care. The temporary alimony could also extend to cover the time when the child is not in school all day, allowing for the parent to stay home with the child during those years. Permanent alimony is not necessary in these cases, child support and decent laws allowing for temporary alimony are needed. 

Peroratio: 

With the issues of child care and the judges discretion, there are options other than shooting down the alimony reform bills. There is the option of longer, rather than permanent, alimony and child support and the option of outlining certain exceptions allowing for permanent alimony, determined at the judges discretion. Limiting the duration of the alimony and putting a monetary limit on the amount being paid would allow the recipient time to regroup financially. It would also allow the payer to move on and not become burdened by lifetime payments. And most importantly, by reforming the alimony process, it would make the entire divorce process much simpler and easier to manage. 

Works Cited

1. Alcindor, Yamiche. "Demands for Reform of Alimony Laws Sweep USA." USA TODAY. 24 Jan 2012: B.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Nov 2013.

2. Dominique, Jill. "alimony." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.

3. Levitz, Jennifer. "The New Art of Alimony." Wall Street Journal. 31 Oct 2009: W.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 03 Nov 2013.