Sharon M. Draper, . . Simon Pulse, $5.99 (352pp) ISBN 978-0-689-84233-7
According to PW
, "Draper conveys the seductive power of teen clubs and the dangers of hazing rituals in this timely novel about a talented trumpet player." Ages 12-up. (Jan.)
Secrets, not all of them credible, abound among the eighth-grade protagonists of this disappointing novel. Delia has managed to hide her inability to read from her parents and teachers, but she Continue reading »
Draper's (Forged by Fire
) historical novel takes on an epic sweep as it chronicles the story of 15-year-old Amari, kidnapped from her African village in Continue reading »
Two-time Coretta Scott King Award–winner Draper hits her middle-grade target in this cheerful yet reflective novel about feeling appreciated and finding one's place. “I'm Continue reading »
Melody Brooks, in a wheelchair and unable to speak, narrates this story about finding her voice. The first half of the book catalogues Melody's struggles—from her frustration with Continue reading »
Draper's ambitious first novel tackles teenage drinking, suicidal depression and other front-page topics-and relates the action through dialogue or compositions ``by'' the characters. Exuberant after Continue reading »
A high school basketball star struggles with guilt and depression following the drunk-driving accident that killed his best friend. Short chapters and alternating viewpoints provide ""raw energy and Continue reading »
This prequel to Draper's Tears of a Tiger is a stark portrayal of a young man struggling to protect his little sister from a drug-addicted mother and an abusive father. Ages 10-up. Continue reading »
Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs: Lost in the Tunnel of Time
Sharon M. Draper
An inaugural release in the Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs series, this tale focuses on four African American boys who make up the Black Dinosaurs Club. On a class field trip to the Ohio River, the Continue reading »
A tumultuous week in the lives of students at the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy is told through a variety of viewpoints. Justin, the academy's principal male dancer, must continually defend himself Continue reading »
This long-overdue audio narration of Draper’s 2010 middle grade novel is a breakout performance for voice actress Johnson, who skillfully brings together childlike sensitivity and grown-up gravitas Continue reading »
Sharon M. Draper has been busy of late, with her new Sassy series for tween girls from Scholastic, as well as the release of Just Another Hero (Atheneum), the final book in her Continue reading »
PW asked award-winning authors Sharon M. Draper and Jason Reynolds to interview each other about their latest works for young readers, and the similarities between their Continue reading »
Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire
Paula Yoo
Via vivid prose, Yoo (From a Whisper to a Rally) depicts the events surrounding the acquittal of the four police officers who brutalized Black motorist Rodney King in 1992 L.A. Continue reading »
Using alternating POVs set in three timelines, Fung (Living with Viola) crafts a poignant tale of generational strife, rebellion, and self-acceptance, inspired by the creator’s Continue reading »
Lynn weaves historical fiction, fairy tale lore, and simmering romance to craft an electric and harrowing Dust Bowl–era debut. When teenager Stella Fischer meets handsome Continue reading »
In a gentle allegory, delicately worked, stipple-textured forest scenes create an idyllic home for Little Bear, who loves his favorite rock and his cozy cave. Soon, though, a Continue reading »