Title: Song of the Trees
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
Series: Logan Family Saga, book 3 (chronological order)
Major Themes: Racism, Family, 1930s, Mississippi, Depression
Synopsis: With the family struggling to make ends meet during the Depression, Cassie and her brothers are distressed to find out Big Ma was forced to sell the trees that have always been part of their beloved land.
When I was still in my middle-grade years, Mom read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Let the Circle Be Unbroken aloud to the family. Both books were powerful, unforgettable stories, and I’ve been intrigued about the rest of the series ever since. I was thankful to see that my library bought an e-copy of Song of the Trees, and recently took the time to read it. It turned out to be a much quicker read than I thought it would be, since it’s just a short story, but it’s a solid addition to the series, and gives another brief picture of the kinds of things black families faced in their fight for justice and fairness back in the 1930s.
Publisher’s description:
With the depression bearing down on her family, there isn’t much that Cassie Logan can count on anymore.
But there is one thing that hasn’t changed—the whispering trees outside her window. Cassie’s trees, which have stood for centuries, are a great source of comfort to her. But they are also worth a lot of money. With Cassie’s daddy gone to lay tracks for the railroad, it seems like no one can stop Mr. Andersen from forcing Big Ma to sell their valuable trees. How can Cassie sit by and watch them disappear? The beloved heroine of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry enchants us again in this story of strength and pride.
My thoughts:
I loved that this story is inspired by something Mildred Taylor’s father experienced as a child—that brought a lot more realism to the story for me, and I enjoyed seeing how she honored her father’s memory in the narrative. I can’t imagine being under the kind of pressures this family experienced as they tried to figure out what to do in the face of threats (and potentially worse). And I loved the way the parents’ and grandparents’ fortitude and determination were on display here—they were the adults in the situation, and acted with level heads, not letting the children just act on their impulses.
I wouldn’t consider this book essential to the Logan Family Saga as a whole, but if you’re interested in getting another glimpse at what Black families faced during the Depression years (and, unfortunately, beyond), Song of the Trees would be a good story to read.
WARNING: The words shoot, darn, and Lord knows are all used once in the story. A boy tries to hurt a man, and the children are disobedient.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15, 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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