During my #middlegradeMay I had no problem finding books to read, I had stacks physically, and access to more digitally. I read several "classics" and award winning books, and "Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry" popped up. I'd never read it. But I noticed it was showing as part of a series, and not book 1. I realize that this, while historically first, was written after "Roll ..." but I decided to start with it. Pretty powerful. 

I appreciated the author's notes before and after (I don't think they were included in the audio, but I had the Kindle copy too). Yes, the N word is used in the book. The N word was used in that time and as the author states "there are those who wish to ban my books because I have used language that is painful, I have chosen to use the language that was spoken during the period, for I refuse to whitewash history. The language was painful and life was painful for many African Americans." The notes at the end were very interesting too ... while this is fiction, so much was based on actual events/stories from the family history. That almost makes it hurt more. 

The writing just flowed ... first person/past tense, from the POV of Paul-Edward. There were three parts ... Childhood, Manhood and Legacy. Heading for the chapters in each part. It was so easy to get drawn into the story, following along as events happened, never really knowing where it was going to go or how it was going to come together in the end. 

While I didn't stop and make notes/highlights, there would be quite a few topics for discussion in a bookclub or school setting. 

I think I'll read more in this series, by this author.