Novel Study: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: The Trial of T.J. Avery

After finishing Mildred D. Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, students reflect on T.J. Avery’s decisions, behavior, and consequences. In this engaging extension activity, students are asked to consider the evidence that both the defense and prosecution are likely to bring to T.J. Avery's criminal trial. Then, using supporting evidence from the text, learners will write a letter to the court making a case for T.J. Avery’s innocence. Prior to this activity, review the Writing With a Formal Tone worksheet with your students to give them practice using a formal style and tone throughout their letter. For additional resources related to this novel, be sure to check out the set of novel study worksheets for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.