Song of the Land

Contributions by Jennifer Ansbach, Jani L. Barker, Melissa Bedford, Helen Bond, Wanda M. Brooks, Susan Browne, Sabrina Carnesi, Emily Cardinali Cormier, Y. Falami Devoe, Bahar Eshraq, Latrice Ferguson, Catharine Kane, Michelle H. Martin, Devika Mehra, Ngozi Onuora, Lauren Rizzuto, Shelly Shaffer, Bryanna Tidmarsh, Ann Van Wig, Annette Wannamaker, and Raen Parker Washington

A major figure in African American children’s literature, Mildred D. Taylor (b. 1943), has been publishing groundbreaking, award-winning books for fifty years, including Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Song of the Trees, Let the Circle Be Unbroken, The Friendship, The Road to Memphis, and The Land. Taylor’s renowned Logan family saga has become a staple in classrooms and libraries, resonating internationally with its profound impact on readers. Her significance in literature extends beyond captivating storytelling. She has effectively illuminated the struggles and triumphs of African American families, challenging societal norms and shedding light on historical injustices. Through compelling narratives rooted in personal experiences and family history, Taylor has enriched the literary landscape and sparked crucial conversations about race, resilience, and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of adversity.

Yet, her significant literary contributions have not received the critical recognition they deserve. Seeking to fill that gap, Song of the Land: Celebrating the Works of Mildred D. Taylor, brings together creative and critical responses to Taylor’s work and ongoing legacy. The chapters in this anthology represent an array of disciplines and theoretical lenses, highlighting the impact of African American children’s literature. Song of the Land is an invitation to learn more about Taylor’s work, which lays bare the dangers of white supremacy and racism in American society.