Copper Sun (by Sharon M. Draper)
common sense media says
Raw, well-researched story of young slave girl.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this powerful novel takes an open and unveiled look at slavery in America through the eyes of a young African girl. The common brutalities of the trade -- rape, murder, kidnapping, beatings, and other inhumane treatments -- are described in detail for readers. Parents should be prepared to answer questions or read this novel alongside their teens.
Educational value:
This book can help teens explore the impact of slavery and why it continues to be important to read books like this today. The author provides a note detailing the facts she drew upon for her story. Simon & Schuster's reading group guide can help teens delve more deeply into the book's plot.
Positive role models:
Amari is a striking, strong character who will leave an impact on readers and help them connect to an important time in American history.
Violence:
Women are repeatedly and systematically raped. There are hundreds of deaths, a shark attack, beatings, and two murders. The violence of the African slave trade is detailed and horrific.
Sex:
Men fondle female slaves, and adultery is discussed.
Language:
Racial name calling is prevalent, which was common for the time period.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
People drink wine and smoke, common for the time period.
More on Copper Sun
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
groovyrrr
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
AWESOME READ
LOVE IT
THIS BOOK IS AWESUM!!!
i highly recomend
its educational but at the same time interesting.
the messsage is perfect there is nothing inapropriate about it and it informs you alot more than what little they tell you in school.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
BOOKlover SMILES
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
This is a great book that any teen as well as adult should read. From the Common Sense review I thought it would be a lot more violent. I wasn't sure if I should read it and I past it up a lot in the library, but I finally picked it up and I'm glad I did. None of the violent stuff was overly descriptive. It was an awesome book.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
peazekeeper95
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Loved IT!!!!!!!!!!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
supercaliey
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
the most inportant message(:
i had to read this book in my eighth grade reading class. my teacher and fellow classmates got really into the book. we read a few chapters and then had disscusion and we would try to predict what would happen. this book it very good. and it sends out an AMAZING message to all people, young or old, black or white, anything is possible if you set your mind to it. you have to belive in yourself.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
ThornHearts
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
THe best I ever read from Sharon M. Draper
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
JBrauer17
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Copper Sun
Copper sun is a phenomenal book. It gives readers an overall view of how brutally slaves were treated. It will make your stomach wrench and your heart sob. It truly is a fantastic book and its very educational.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Kate_ee
adult
adult
Worst novel I have ever read.
Loathed this book. I think it was the worst novel I have ever wasted hours of my life reading. There are much more valuable novels available that address similar topics, with significantly fewer absurd circumstances offered for young adults to believe. Draper seems determined to throw as many impossibilities as possible into the novel with no regard for how skewed an impression of actual events would have unfolded once the story hits American soil. The only elements that could be believed were the elements of cruelty, as well as the manner in which Amari ends up on the ship. From the moment she gets on the ship it deteriorates, and enters a fantasy that only has elements of reality.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Rebecca.Miller
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Best book I read for a school assignment
I had to read this for a school assignment. It was one of the best books that I've read.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
ballet girl
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Its a great book
I love this book. Some parts of the book have some very sad and violent parts. Once you start to read it it's a page turner. When I read this book I felt really sorry for the slaves back in the days. It really got me thinking about how we are soo lucky now.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Kelly498
parent
parent
Great Novel, but Not for kids younger than 13
I believe that this book i a wonderful novel, but there are many things about it that maybe my children shouldn't get as detailed with or even know about. My 12 year old daughter asked me if she can read it and i beleive that maybe 13 or 14 would be a better age to read it. Other than that i believe that this was a great book that really has a strong message; Never give up hope
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already read it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
