Review Of Sharon M. Draper's Novel Copper Sun - Historical Fiction, African American Characters And Coming Of Age Story

Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper is a powerful coming-of-age story that will leave you feeling emotionally moved and deeply inspired. This moving novel follows the story of two teenage girls, Amari, an African slave girl and Polly, an indentured servant from England, as they fight for their freedom in 1700s colonial America. With vivid descriptions and captivating characters, Copper Sun is a gripping tale of courage and resilience in the face of oppression.

Draper’s writing style is superbly crafted and her use of imagery is stunning. She paints a vivid picture of the brutal realities of slavery while simultaneously highlighting the strength, courage, and determination of those who were subjected to it. The novel brings to life the emotional upheaval that these two young women experience on their journey towards freedom.

The themes of Copper Sun are timeless yet relevant to today’s world. It speaks to the importance of friendship, family, love and identity in times of hardship. Draper has crafted a story that is both heartbreakingly real and uplifting at the same time.

Overall, Copper Sun is an incredibly powerful read that everyone should pick up and experience for themselves. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring yet thought-provoking narrative about hope and perseverance against all odds.

Table of Contents

Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper Review

Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper is an emotionally gripping and powerful story of two girls struggling to survive in a world of cruelty, injustice, and inhumanity.

Key Features:
1. Explores the evils of slavery during the 1700s
2. Written by award-winning author Sharon M. Draper
3. Includes an extensive Author’s Note with historical information
4. An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
5. Named a Coretta Scott King Honor book

The pages of Copper Sun open up a world of fear and despair for Amari and Polly—two young girls on opposite sides of slavery—who form an unbreakable bond despite their circumstances. Amari is captured from her village in Africa and transported across the ocean to America, while Polly, a white indentured servant living in South Carolina, finds common ground with Amari as they both fight to survive the horrors of slavery. Their friendship is a beacon of hope that shines through decades of adversity, injustice, and inhumanity showing readers there is always light in darkness and that kindness can exist even in the most oppressive conditions. The narrative never shies away from the harsh realities of life as a slave but instead offers readers a glimpse into this tumultuous period in history. With Copper Sun, Sharon M. Draper has created an unforgettable story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.

Product Details

Product Name	Author	Genre
Copper Sun	Sharon M. Draper	Historical Fiction
Themes: Slavery, Friendship, Survival, Freedom, Hope, Family
Ages: 12 and up
Publication Date		Publisher
October 3rd 2006 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers		Simon & Schuster Inc.
Length		Format
310 pages		Paperback/ Hardcover/ e-book
ISBN-10/ ISBN-13		Language
1416953485 / 9781416953488		English

Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper Pros and Cons

1. Pros

Award-Winning Story: Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper is an award-winning story of courage and hope. It follows the journey of a young African girl who is captured and sold into slavery in the American colonies. The gripping narrative starts with her capture, moves through her struggles in captivity, and ultimately culminates in her inspiring story of survival.

Historical Accuracy: Draper does a great job of capturing the horrors of slavery without shying away from any of the harsh realities. She shows how African slaves were treated as less than human, and she also portrays their strength and resilience despite the overwhelming odds against them.

Realistic Characters: Draper has created a cast of characters that are both believable and relatable. The protagonist, Amari, is a strong and courageous young girl who never gives up hope even when faced with extreme adversity. Her captors are also portrayed realistically, making it easy to understand why they do what they do.

2. Cons

Graphic Content: Copper Sun contains some graphic content that may be too intense for younger readers or those who are sensitive to violence. The story does not shy away from depicting the brutality of slavery or its consequences, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Length: At nearly 500 pages, Copper Sun can be a bit lengthy for some readers, especially those who prefer shorter works. The story is engaging enough to keep readers turning the pages, but some may find it too long or slow-moving at times.

Lack of Closure: While Copper Sun is an inspiring story overall, some readers may feel dissatisfied with its lack of closure. The ending leaves several unanswered questions that may leave readers wanting more.

Who are They for

Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper is an inspiring and thought-provoking novel about a young African girl, Amari, who is taken from her village and sold into slavery in the Americas. Amari meets a mysterious Native American girl named Polly who helps her survive her horrific journey and find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. In this unforgettable story of courage and strength, readers will learn how resilience and friendship can help them overcome even the most overwhelming of obstacles. As Amari struggles to keep her faith alive during her enslavement, she discovers the power of friendship and learns to see beauty in even the darkest of places.

The poignant story of Copper Sun offers readers a unique glimpse into the struggles faced by African slaves as they endured their long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Through its powerful imagery and captivating storytelling, Copper Sun encourages readers to think deeply about the injustices of slavery while also celebrating the strength and resilience of those who lived through it. With its emotionally charged narrative and unforgettable characters, Copper Sun is sure to remain in readers’ hearts for years to come.

My Experience for Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

I recently read the book Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper and it was an amazing journey. The story follows two girls from different backgrounds, Amari and Polly, who are brought together by tragedy and form a friendship that saves them both.

The book is set in the 1700s during the Atlantic slave trade. Amari is a young African girl who is separated from her family and kidnapped to be taken away as a slave. On board the ship, she meets Polly, an English indentured servant. Despite their differences, they become close friends and rely on each other for strength and courage as they face the horrors of life as slaves in America.

I found the book to be incredibly moving and emotionally gripping. It is full of heart-wrenching scenes that really bring to light some of the terrible things that happened during this time period. The characters are realistically portrayed and you can really feel their emotions throughout the story.

All in all, I highly recommend Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper. It’s a powerful story about friendship, hope, and resilience that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

What I don’t Like

1. Copper Sun may be too emotionally intense for some readers.
2. The book does not provide an easy resolution to the issues that it raises.
3. It is set in a time period which may be unfamiliar to some readers.
4. The book deals with difficult topics such as slavery, abuse, and loss of innocence.
5. It is written from the perspective of a fifteen-year-old girl, so its language may be challenging for younger readers.

How to Take a Stand Against Injustice Using Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

Sharon M. Draper’s Copper Sun provides an emotionally charged story of resilience and courage in the face of injustice. The novel follows 15-year-old Amari, who is taken from her West African village and sold into slavery in Colonial America. As Amari struggles to survive and find hope, she learns to take a stand against the prejudice and cruelty around her.

The themes of Copper Sun are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. We can use this book to take a stand against injustice in our own lives. Here are some ways to do just that:

Educate Yourself: Start by learning about the history of racism and discrimination so you understand how it still affects people today. Read books like Copper Sun, or watch documentaries or films on the topic. This will help you become aware of current issues and motivate you to stand up for what is right.

Be an Ally: If someone is being treated unfairly, don’t stay silent! Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves, like Amari does in Copper Sun. Offer your support and be willing to listen without judgement.

Speak Out: Use your voice to share your opinion and challenge injustice whenever possible. You can write letters or emails, start petitions, join protests, or attend meetings to show your support and make your voice heard.

We can all take a stand against injustice by following the example set by characters like Amari in Copper Sun. By becoming educated on these issues, standing with those affected by them, and speaking out when needed, we can make sure everyone is treated fairly no matter their race or background.

Questions about Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

What is Copper Sun about?

Copper Sun is a powerful story of Amari, an African girl who is taken from her village and sold into slavery in America. Through her courage and the help of a friend, she eventually finds freedom. With themes of resilience and hope, this novel is sure to leave readers inspired and empowered.

Who should read Copper Sun?

Copper Sun is an excellent book for readers of all ages. It provides insight into the history of slavery and its effects on individuals and their families. This engaging, emotional, and thought-provoking novel will surely leave readers with a newfound appreciation for those who have endured such hardships throughout history.

Are there any awards that Copper Sun has won?

Yes! Copper Sun was awarded the Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe Award for New Talent by the American Library Association as well as the Michael L. Printz Honor Award in 2008. It was also named one of the ALA’s Best Books for Young Adults in 2007.

Does Copper Sun have any sequels or companion books?

No, Copper Sun does not have any sequels or companion books at this time. However, Sharon M. Draper has written many other amazing novels that may be enjoyed after reading Copper Sun.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.