Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Characters)

“Now, there ain't no sense in going around being mad. You clear your head so you can think sensibly. Then I want you to think real hard on whether or not Lillian Jean's worth taking a stand about, but keep in mind that Lillian Jean probably won't be the last white person to treat you this way." He turned toward me so that he looked me full in the face, and the seriousness of his eyes startled me. He held my chin up with the wide flat of his hard hand. "This here's an important decision, Cassie, very important—I want you to understand that—but I think you can handle it.”

What does the excerpt show about the historical time period of the story?

• It shows that African Americans in the South experienced unjust treatment by white people that was dangerous to confront.

• It shows that African Americans and white people in the South faced similar types of difficult decisions in order to survive.

• It shows that African Americans in the South maintained the same level of community respect and power as their white neighbors.

• It shows that African Americans and white people in the South worked together to solve disagreements that took place between families.

For the month of January I was Lillian Jean's slave and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She even took to waiting for me in the morning with Jeremy so that I could carry her books. When friends of hers walked with us, she bragged about her little colored friend and almost hugged herself with pleasure when I called her "Miz" Lillian Jean.

What does the excerpt show about the historical time period of the story?

• It shows that there were African American citizens who treated white citizens in unjust and humiliating ways.

• It shows that white children treated African American children as equals even if white adults in the community did not.

• It shows that African American children and white children easily developed friendships in spite of racial injustice.

• It shows that there were white citizens who treated African American citizens in unjust and humiliating ways.

"Naw you ain't," said Stacey. There was a shocked silence as all heads turned to him. "This here thing's between Cassie and Lillian Jean and ain't nobody telling nobody nothin' 'bout this." He stared directly at T.J., caught his eye, and repeated, "Nobody."

"Ah, man!" cried T.J. "It ain't none of my business." Then, after a moment's silence, he added, "I got too many worries of my own to worry 'bout Cassie Uncle Tomming Lillian Jean."

My temper almost flew out of my mouth, but I pressed my lips tightly together, forcing it to stay inside.

Based on the excerpt, what causes Cassie to almost lose her temper?

• Stacey telling everyone that they will not say anything

• T.J. talking to everyone about all of his worries

• Stacey saying that Cassie’s business is her business

• T.J. accusing Cassie of Uncle Tomming Lillian Jean

"T.J., don't you come talking to me 'bout no more cheating!" cried Stacey angrily. "After all that trouble I got in the last time 'count of you. You got questions, you ask Mama yourself, but you say one more word to me 'bout them tests, I'm gonna—"

Which statement best describes and explains a character’s actions?

• Stacey will not answer T.J.’s questions because T.J. is angry.

• Stacey gets angry when he does not know the answers to test questions.

• T.J. cheats on the tests because Stacey will not answer his questions.

• T.J. asks again about the tests and Stacey becomes angry.

What motivates Cassie to act nicely toward Lillian Jean at the start of Chapter 8 of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

• She wants to make her brothers angry.

• She wants to make life easier for Lillian Jean.

• She wants to fool Lillian Jean into trusting her.

• She wants to make her family happy.

What feeling motivates Cassie’s behavior toward Lillian Jean in Chapter 8 of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

• kindness

• fear

• anger

• pity