From: steven engelfried <stevene>
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2000 16:18:03 -0800

Comparing Francie to Cassie Logan is an interesting idea. As Ginny Moore Kruse points out, they both recognize the unfairness of their situation as African Americans in the south, and both stubbornly (and heroically) persist in trying to do what's right even when it's considered improper or even dangerous. Francie seems a little more isolated. Cassie had her brother, parents and grandmother to offer advice and examples of how to behave and respond. Though she didn't necessarily accept or agree, she had these other perspectives to think about. Francie gets little understanding from her mother (at least she doesn't perceive it...I think the mother's act at the end shows she knows some of what Francie's going through) and nothing from her father. She has to deal with situations like the book stealing incident and her friend's disappearance more on her own. I still think "Roll of Thunder" is one of the best books ever, but Francie does give us a more intimate look at the main character, who is very memorable. Francie's perception of the "American dream" which the C.S. King Award honors is clear. She's not after equality or justice for all...her wishes are more personal. She wants to be able to enjoy the things she loves and be treated with respect when she deserves it. And she wants a young man like the one she helped escape to have a decent chance. I don't think she sees these wishes as significant beyond her own experience, but readers will recognize the broader universal issues.

Steven Engelfried, Children's Librarian Deschutes Public Library System, Bend Branch 601 NW Wall St Bend, OR 97701 ph: 541a7p72 fax: 541a7p73 e-mail: stevene at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Sun 13 Feb 2000 06:18:03 PM CST