Did you know that Mildred D. Taylor’s Newbery Medal winner Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry turned 40 this year? We’re celebrating all year long with a gorgeous 40th anniversary edition, beautiful new covers for the rest of the series designed by legendary illustrator Kadir Nelson, and last but not least: We’ve paired up with We Need Diverse Books to launch a national writing contest!

The Roll of Thunder writing contest runs from April 26, 2016 – June 21, 2016 and encourages submissions from ethnically diverse authors writing for kids aged 8-14.The Logan family from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry first became known when Mildred D. Taylor won a writing contest seeking out diverse voices in 1974 – and that’s why we think this is the perfect way to celebrate her momentous publication.

** Please note the following:  There is a line in the Official Rules under “How to Enter” that says “All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned.”  To clarify, this means that Penguin Random House LLC will not return physical or digital copies of entries submitted.  This is not a grant of rights from entrant to Penguin Random House LLC. 

Ready to learn more? Get the details and entry instructions for the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry National Writing Contest here!

See the new covers for the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry series on Bustle and Buzzfeed!

Get your 40th Anniversary Edition of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry!