Synopsis
Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family's struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie's story—Cassie Logan, an independent girl who discovers over the course of an important year why having land of their own is so crucial to the Logan family, even as she learns to draw strength from her own sense of dignity and self-respect.- ★★★★★
- ★★★★★
- ★★★★★
- ★★★★★
- Discuss the verse from the Quran in which Allah ﷻ tell us, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may [get to] know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:13). How do we understand race and human differences from this verse?
- The Prophet ﷺ was sent to perfect good character. Reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ farewell sermon, delivered more than fourteen hundred years ago, in which he addressed the human being’s tendency to equate outward characteristics, such as race, with rank: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white, except by piety and good action.”
- Racism is a symptom of a heart diseased with arrogance. How did arrogance toward the human race lead to Satan’s downfall?
- How were African Americans treated in Mississippi during the 1930s? Discuss the Jim Crow Era and the repercussions of institutionalized segregation. What was the reality of the ‘separate but equal’ system?
- Why was land ownership so important to the Logans? What does the land represent?
- What is sharecropping? Read Mr. Turner’s description of sharecropping (p. 100). Who seemed to benefit from sharecropping—the landowners or sharecroppers?
- How was the white students’ school different from the black students’ school? What were the differences in terms of transportation to and from school, the proximity of the school to the students’ homes, the condition of the buildings and the books, the timings of the school year, and restrictions on what can or cannot be taught?
- Do you think the Logan children were right to dig a hole for the bus? Was everyone in that bus equally culpable for the bus driver’s actions? What could have happened to the passengers in the bus—those that were guilty, those that were not? If the Logan children were caught, what could have happened to them and their family?
- Discuss Cassie’s act of vengeance towards Lillian Jean? Do you think Cassie felt remorse afterwards? How does vengeance affect the one who performs it? What would be the Prophetic ﷺ response in such cases?
- Discuss examples from the life of the Prophet ﷺ in which he could have taken revenge for a wrong committed against him, but he did not. His example was to seek help from Allah ﷻ by making dua. He also sought advice from those around him.
- What did Cassie learn from her trip to Strawberry? What do we learn about Lilian Jean? What do we learn about Jeremy? Why do you think Big Ma reacted that way? Cassie realizes the reality of racial discrimination and how it directly affects her family. Lillian Jean is the by-product of racism being taught in the home, meant to keep black people fearful and humiliated. Jeremy is from the same family, but he has rejected the racism taught by his family. Big Ma swallows her pride, knowing full well the consequences of acting otherwise. When safe at home, Mama discusses this situation with Cassie, giving her insight into the past to better understand her current situation.
- Reflect on the words of wisdom Cassie’s mother shares after the incident in Strawberry: “Baby, we have no choice of what color we’re born or who our parents are or whether we’re rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we’re here…And I pray to God you’ll make the best of yours.”
- Discuss the following hadith: “Verily, the most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character and who are most kind to their families.” How are Stacey and T.J. different? Which aspects of Stacey’s character lead to his salvation? Which aspects of T.J.’s character lead to his downfall? Stacey guides T.J. toward the right path. When T.J. falters, Stacey forgives him and continues to protect him. Stacey continuously fulfills his responsibilities to his family and is on his way to becoming a man of integrity. T.J., on the other hand, makes one bad choice after another, always looking for shortcuts and placing blame on others, developing a very unscrupulous character.
- Mama and Papa beautifully fulfill their roles as husband and wife, son and daughter-in-law, mother and father, and as members of the community working hard for their family and for the community. Find examples in the book of these character traits. They both work hard to provide for and fulfill their responsibilities to each other and their family. They are pillars of strength for one another. They understand each other and trust each other completely. Their goals in life are the same—to provide a safe and secure life for their family while teaching them how to be strong, sensible, and self-sufficient, ensuring success for generations to come. Mama is a principled, hardworking teacher who fights for justice and racial equality, in her own way, while keeping her children safe and watching out for the community. Papa is a man of honor and integrity. He wants justice, but more than that, he needs to protect his family. At the end, despite knowing the trouble T.J. has caused, he is willing to risk his life to protect him. Instead of using his gun, he pauses, listens to his wife, and decides to sacrifice his own land (by burning it) in order to save T.J.
- Compare and contrast Uncle Hammer’s and Papa’s personalities. They are brothers, but they handle situations differently. Both are ready to defend and take care of their family. However, Papa is wise—he pauses to think before taking action, mindful of the consequences, while Uncle Hammer is impulsive and ready to fight. Yet, both make sacrifices to help others in need.
- Reflect on Mr. Jamison’s statement: “I’m a Southerner, born and bred, but that doesn’t mean I approve of all that goes on here, and there are a lot of other white people who feel the same.” (p. 161). How is this reflective of society at this time? Why did the author include characters such as Mr. Jamison and Jeremy?
- Discuss the following hadith with your child: “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.” (Nawawi). How do the actions of Jeremy and Mr. Jamison exemplify this hadith?
Mindful Muslim Review
“We have no choice of what color we’re born or who our parents are or whether we’re rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we’re here…And I pray to God you’ll make the best of yours.”
In this beautifully written, vivid narrative, we feel the detrimental, deplorable, and dehumanizing effects of deep-seated racism on a black family growing up in the Deep South during the Jim Crow era. By evoking powerful emotions and building empathy, this type of historical fiction creates a compelling connection with a time, place, and people of our past.
The members of the Logan family teach us valuable lessons through their resilience and strength. In 9-year-old Cassie, we see her maturity develop as she experiences racism first-hand, learning to silence her temper as she navigates the unjust world she lives in. Through her eldest sibling Stacey, we see a boy of high moral character, responsible toward his family, loyal to his friend, growing into a man of integrity. In his friend, T.J., we see the tragic outcome of an unscrupulous character. Through the elders of the family, we see a reliance upon God, an unwavering commitment to family, community, and justice, the importance of understanding the past, its relationship to the present and the future, and the willingness to sacrifice for a greater good. Through their friends Jeremy and Mr. Jamison, we remember that an ugly few do not represent the whole.
Despite the cruelty and injustices of this time, the Logan children find strength in their family of faith, learning and growing in their respect and reverence for their elders, in their understanding of their responsibilities to their family, and in their knowledge of the world. The author’s moving tribute to her late father, found in the Author’s Note, is a must read. Lessons in the importance of building good character abound in this brilliant historical fiction piece, earning our Gold Star. Note: We recommend Heart and Soul as a companion book for enriching this historical fiction novel.
