Draper, Sharon M., Copper Sun, Atheneum Books 2006, New York, ISBN- 9780689821813
Draper does a remarkable job creating this historical fiction novel. Amari a 15 year old girl experiences slavery in great depth. Amari is forced from her home and put into slavery, her family murdered.
Amari experiences humiliation through no fault of her own, and is given to her slavery masters son only for labor and sexual exploitation. Amari experiences rape, verbal and physical abuse senseless killings,and child birth. Amari become friends with a white girl named Polly and Tidbit and a few more oppressed people that helped Amari cope with her situation. Even though Amari's life is a living hell she still had hope and a bit of fight in her soul " Amari took a deep breath closed her eyes, and this time it was her turn to spit. She spat directly in his face. Clay roared and slapped her so hard that her head bounced back against the tree trunk. Amari glared at him Amari struggle against the ropes. she had never been so angry.If he hurt Tidbit, she would kill him she vowed" Amari begins to draw on her strength and will to live and escape. Draper does a great job producing realistic situations for her fictional characters, she captures racism, abuse, violence, family loss, and relationships the same elements that today's teens face. Draper presented factual events of slavery holding nothing back. Draper is very descriptive and leaves nothing to the imagination. Draper is clever in revealing each characters strengths and weaknesses and using their uniqueness to build friendships. Although the situation the characters face are extreme the self-worth and visions they have may be empowering to a teen in a less favorable situation.
" A searing work of historical fiction that will eave readers breathless, even as they consider the story's larger questions about the infinite costs of slavery and how to reconcile history" Booklist, starred review
"This action packed, multifaceted, character rich story describes the shocking realities of the slave trade and plantation life while portraying the perseverance, resourcefulness, and triumph of the human spirit." School Library journal, starred review
" Draper has captured the essence of teens caught up in peer pressure who must ultimately live with the results of their actions. Her characters are deeply human a compelling read." School Library Journal
Awards
Coretta Scott King Book Awards 2007
Heartland Award for Excellence in Children's Literature 2007
Ohioana Book Awards 2007
Discussion Questions
1. The very first page just before chapter one, tells of a slave sale and hoe it must feel to be fifteen years old, stripped naked, and standing on the auction block. Describe the feelings and fears of the girl being sold. What predictions can the reader make about the girl and the rest of the story?
2. Explain the title of the novel. Why does the title have more than one possible interpretation? Find several examples of references to "copper sun" within the story.
3. How is the relationship between Amari and her parents, and her brother and how does the strength of her family make a difference in her life?
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