Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry won the Newbery Medal in 1977 because of its powerful storytelling, authentic depiction of African American life in the South during the Great Depression, and its exploration of themes such as racism, social injustice, and resilience. The book's rich character development, vivid setting, and thought-provoking narrative captivated readers and critics alike. Mildred D. Taylor's masterful writing style and ability to tackle complex issues in a way that resonated with young readers contributed to its recognition as an outstanding work of children's literature.
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry won the Newbery Medal due to its powerful portrayal of racial injustice and strong themes of family, resilience, and community. The book's compelling characters and vivid storytelling provided readers with a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful reading experience.
The committee felt it was the most outstanding piece of children's literature of the year.