Study Questions
In what ways do the tactics of the Logan family resemble those of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s?
How does Mildred Taylor make the conclusion more than a "black and white" issue?
Explain the extent of and motivation behind Harlan Granger's harassment of the Logan family.
How does Cassie grow over the course of the novel?
What is the role of education in the Logan family? Is it worshipped? Compare the importance of education with the importance of religion or of material wealth.
Most of the violence of the novel involves men. In what ways are Mama and Big Ma also heroes?
What does Mr. Jamison due to help the Logan's and the black community? Is he a realistic character? Why or why not?
What role does family tradition play in the novel?
Does the novel stereotype either black or white behavior?
Examine the character of T. J.. In what ways does he represent problems in contemporary communities? Think of peer pressure, poverty, weapons, and drinking. Was his decline inevitable? Besides his own, whose fault were his problems?
