Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

A 1976 young adult book written by Mildred Taylor, that takes place in The Great Depression. The story is centered on the Logan family, specifically Cassie Logan, and deals with the years changing and the kids' coming of age.

"Roll of thunder, hear my cry, Over the water, by and by Old man comin' down the line, whip in hand to beat me down, But I ain't gonna let him turn me 'round."
 * Break the Cutie: Cassie during.
 * Coming of Age Story
 * Downer Ending:.
 * Gentle Giant: Mr. Morrison.
 * The Great Depression
 * Intergenerational Friendship: Mr. Morrison and the Logans. Mr. Jamison, too. He's known Big Ma since he was a small child and tries to do his best to protect the family.
 * Jerkass: T.J. He has no problem getting his brother, or Stacey, in trouble.
 * Karma Houdini: The Simms. And a lot of others.
 * Manipulative Bastard: T.J. again.
 * Only Sane Man: Stacey at times, and Jeremy can count as this.
 * Serious Business: Little Man's insistence that his clothes be clean at all times.
 * Title Drop: Late in the story