Plot Summary

The Land

Mildred D. Taylor
Guide cover placeholder

The Land

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1974

Book Brief

Mildred D. Taylor

The Land

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1974
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern United States • 1870s

Theme
Publication Year

1974

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

760L

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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

4.5

7,995 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.5

7,995 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern United States • 1870s

Theme
Publication Year

1974

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

760L

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