Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor p. 288

The story is set in Mississippi in 1933. The Logans own their own land and fight work hard to keep it. The children are beginning to learn what it means to be black at this time and they don't always understand why things are this way. The main character, Cassie, and her brothers, Stacey, Christopher John and Little Man, learn lessons throughout the book about how racist people think and behave and what they need to do to remain safe. Stacey's best friend, TJ, does not listen as well as they do and finds himself in a lot of trouble (life threatening) by the end of the story. Are they going to kill him or will they allow the "justice system" to determine whether he is guilty and punish him accordingly.
Parents, both white and black, should suggest this book to their children. It is a great read and it is didactic. One of the most important reasons children should read it is so that WE NEVER FORGET!!!