From the moment the first line was finished, I was captured. This is my first read of author Sharon Draper and will not be my last. The story is an emotional ride, and very hard to read...I was angry, sad, frustrated, happy for any little meager piece of relief and finally I sighed. Not a "feely goodie" time story, but to know what one can endure just to live, is remarkable. Will keep that in mind when I'm whining.The story is of Amari a 15 year old African. Ms. Draper gives only a short read, but wonderfully descriptive about Amari and her family and life with her tribe. And then they come, the white soldiers and another African tribe, to capture and kill Amari's people. That is the start of a very long and horrible journey to a new - a foreign place, the Carolina's in America. - where she begins her life as a slave. Amari is such a brave young woman and intelligent - she has to learn English in a short time. Her survival is dependent upon it as she works among other slaves a plantation. Her master, Mr. Derby - and if I could have killed him - I believe I would have (that's how vividly descriptive this book is)who buys Amari for his 16 yr son. And after what happened on the ship, the rapes, she is now subject to this young cruel man. Bought at the same time 15 yr old, a white indentured slave. And then there is Master Derby's young pregnant wife whose baby, when born, is a devastating surprise that puts into motion a huge change for Amari and Polly. I couldn't stop reading Copper Sun. It's a powerful poignant historical fiction. Kudos to Sharon Draper's Copper Sun for winning the Coretta Scott King Award.
Copper Sun was the first book I listed for Mrs. Augustine's literature circles. Considering the fact that I am usually too aggravated by the subject of history to even taste some historical fiction, I was impressed. The story is told from two peoples' perspectives (I always appreciate this writing style)Amari and Polly, but is mostly built around a fifteen year old African girl named Amari. Amari once had a perfect life in her Ewe village in Africa. Until one day, white men attacked her village and killed all the children and elderly. The young and healthy like her were kept barely alive and later sold into slavery in America; Amari was a birthday gift for a plantation owner's son. Life on the plantation was a tragedy, and after she could not take anymore of it, Amari along with an indentured servant girl called Polly, and another slave's son named tidbit, took off to find the freedom that they craved so strongly. They do find this freedom in Spanish territory called Fort Mose where they get to start a new life. My favorite quote from the book would be, "As long as you remember chile, ain't nothin' ever gone." Honestly it is probably the most popular quote from Copper Sun, but it's not overrated at all. This quote was stated by Teenie (Tidbit's mother whom is a slave who specializes in cooking) and directed to Amari, but the idea came up various times after the fact. In fact the reason why I love this quote is because Amari holds on to these words and reminds herself that the beautiful background/past that she has is not gone.
What do You think about Copper Sun (2006)?
Another fantastic historical fiction story written for young adults, but that I would suggest everyone read. The story of an enslaved African girl and a white indentured servant are told and entwined, and I was tied to both of them quickly and intensely. There are many very difficult issues addressed in the book, but they are things that actually happened to people who were enslaved. I think it is extremely important to be aware of atrocities that people both inflicted and experienced, instead of glossing over them and viewing history through G-rated lenses. I can remember going to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC as a high school sophomore and being horrified as the seemingly simple word "Holocaust" took on true meaning as I saw photographs, videos, and displays that spelled out exactly what abominable things had been done to one group of people by another. When we better understand our history, we are better able to influence our present and future for good.
—Erin Isgett
Amari is a teenage African American in Africa. She is in love with Besa. Her tribe gets captured by "Milk faced men" and her family gets killed right in front of her. She, along with a few other tribe members, went on a long journey to Cape Coast, Africa. Where then, they were put on a boat for months, going to America. They were raped, abused, and forced to lay side by side and in their own feces. Amari was bought by an abusing slave owner, Master Derby, for his sons 16th birthday. Polly was a
—Luke Lawrence
Amari and Polly tell the story of a slave girl and indentured girls in the 1730's. At first the book revolves around the newly captured slave girl from Africa, and her journey to the suffering that she would soon face. Then it began to capture the imagery about her as a slave. And they have a chance at freedom and they take it. All by themselves they travel to that one place that they know they will be safe and free.With the hope and faith of Amari's soul both Polly and Amari should make it to their destination safely. As long as they surpass the dangers that can discard of their dreams,faith and hope. This book being action-packed and suspenseful, could be something you'll enjoy reading. Especially Amari who had courage all the way through, she stayed confident that she will one day she'll be safe and hold her own. Without her their would be no book.
—Kayla
