From: Eleanora E. Tate <eetate>
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 11:02:50 -0400

The first book that comes to my mind is Mildred Taylor's classic Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry (1977). This phenomenal book I first discovered shortly after its publication because I was a follower of Mildred Taylor even then. Her book The Year of the Trees had come into print, I believe (it's been so long), having already won a Council for Inter-Racial Books for Children's Third World Writing Contest earlier. I, alas, also an entrant, had merely been a finalist. But her writing was an inspiration to me then. The story of Cassie and her brothers and the rites of passage, the struggle for identity, the strong unity of family during theMississippi's Depression era have led countless other readers young and old on meaningful adventures that have, indeed, stood the test of time. Eleanora E. Tate (eetate at coastalnet.com) Children's Book Author Morehead City, NC
Received on Sun 06 Jul 1997 10:02:50 AM CDT