The Land
The Land
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1870s
1974
Middle grade
12-18 years
760L
Super Short Summary
The Land by Mildred D. Taylor follows Paul-Edward Logan, the son of a white plantation owner and a half African American, half Native American former slave, as he navigates his identity and aspirations to own land in post-Civil War America. This coming-of-age story addresses racism, injustice, and oppression, significantly impacting Paul's journey to manhood. The book includes sensitive depictions of racial discrimination and violence.
Inspirational
Emotional
Challenging
Heartwarming
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
7,995 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mildred D. Taylor’s The Land captivates readers with rich narrative and deeply developed characters, tracing Paul-Edward Logan's journey amidst post-Civil War racial tensions. Praised for historical accuracy and emotional depth, some critics find the pacing slow in parts. Overall, it’s commended for its powerful storytelling and insightful exploration of identity and perseverance.
Who Should Read The Land?
A reader who enjoys coming-of-age tales, historical fiction, and themes of racial identity and justice set in post-Civil War America would be captivated by Mildred D. Taylor's The Land. Fans of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Alice Walker's The Color Purple will find this narrative compelling.
7,995 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Land is the first book in Mildred D. Taylor's series that tells the backstory of the Logan family, leading up to her award-winning novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Mildred D. Taylor drew inspiration for The Land from her own family's stories and history, which she heard growing up and often incorporated into her writing.
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The book was awarded the Coretta Scott King Author Award in 2002, celebrating its significance in enriching literature for children and young adults.
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400
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1870s
1974
Middle grade
12-18 years
760L
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