Sharon Draper
This book is the final trilogy to the two-time Coretta Scott King trilogy by Sharon Draper. The story mainly takes place in high school and it follows the life of two teenagers and their friends in Cincinnati, Ohio. Arielle, who was living a life of luxury but at the expense of a deranged step-father and Kofi, who was fighting an addiction to pain pills related to a hazing accident years before. Other characters include November, who is a teen mom of a special needs baby girl. The child's Joshua was killed in that same hazing accident in a previous book. It is their senior year and their experiences make this book a definite page turner. It is full of unexpected moments from a teacher that steals to a mother whose chooses parties over her sons education.
I would recommend this book to junior high and above. It's not vulgar or full of sex scenes but it still capture's one's attention. This book is also very up to date so it will be relate able. I think the 7th grade and higher age group will enjoy this book because they will feel like they can relate to characters dealing with high school and personal issues.
As a book hook I would use these lines from the book jacket to capture students eye on Yellow Poster board...
Suppose someone showed up in YOUR classroom carrying an AK-47.
You have a split second:
To think.
To act.
To be a hero.
But what is a hero?
I know it caught my attention so I'm sure it will capture students attention. From there I would like to start a small discussion on what they THINK they may do? Then get them to find out what happens in the book by reading it.
The previous books in this trilogy are The Battle of Jericho (2003) and November Blues (2007) - both Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books. The reviews of this book say there are almost too many issues but that the dialogue-driven story will keep students' interest. Sharon Draper is a terrific author. Very popular with urban students. And, as you remember, her website has excellent teaching resources (she was a teacher in Cincinnati).
ReplyDeleteI would like to read this trilogy. Especially knowing the she was a teacher in Cincinnati, I always forget that. The "hook"idea is very short, which I liked. Sometimes a couple of words have the greatest impact, and this would really draw them in.
ReplyDeleteI read the Battle of Jericho back in high school and thought the book was a quick read. It sounds like a lot of urban students would enjoy this book, and a lot of suburban students as well, especially with the issue about school shootings and teen moms.
ReplyDeleteI know the students at Dunbar High School would like to read this if they haven't already. The Sharon Draper novels are very popular in the library. I have not read anything by her yet, but I may try this trilogy.
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