Copper Sun by Sharon Draper - An Epic Tale of Resilience and Freedom

Sharon Draper's novel, Copper Sun, takes readers on an unforgettable journey through one of history's darkest periods – the transatlantic slave trade. This gripping story follows the life of fifteen-year-old Amari, a young African girl who endures unimaginable hardships and showcases remarkable resilience in her pursuit of freedom.

The Plot

Copper Sun begins in Amari's African village, where she lives a peaceful existence, surrounded by her loving family and community. However, everything changes when slave traders attack her village, capturing Amari and many others, ripping them away from their homes and loved ones.

The narrative delves into the horrors of the Middle Passage, illustrating the inhuman conditions endured by slaves during their journey across the Atlantic. Amari's experiences on the slave ship are depicted in heart-wrenching detail, highlighting the physical and emotional traumas she and her fellow captives endure.

Copper Sun

by Sharon M. Draper(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6187 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	331 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Upon arriving in South Carolina, Amari is sold to a cruel plantation owner. Throughout the story, we witness her relentless determination to survive and her unwavering hope for freedom. Amari's path crosses with Polly, an indentured servant who also dreams of escape, and they form a deep friendship that provides solace in the face of adversity.

Themes Explored

Copper Sun tackles several poignant themes, all expertly woven into the narrative by Sharon Draper:

• Resilience: Amari's unwavering strength throughout her trials demonstrates the human capacity to endure and persevere in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
• Friendship: The bond between Amari and Polly serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and the ability to find hope and solace in the company of others.
• Identity: Amari's journey forces her to confront and redefine her sense of self as she navigates the complexities of slavery and the quest for freedom.
• Injustice: The novel unflinchingly exposes the cruel realities of the transatlantic slave trade, shedding light on the inhumanity and injustices inflicted upon millions of individuals during this dark period of history.
• Empowerment: Copper Sun demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit and highlights the power of knowledge and education as tools for personal and collective empowerment.

Reception and Impact

Since its publication, Copper Sun has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and the emotional weight it carries. Sharon Draper's meticulous research and vivid descriptions have earned praise from readers and critics alike. The book has been praised as a valuable educational resource, shedding light on a crucial part of history often neglected in traditional curricula.

Through Copper Sun, Draper offers a human perspective to a dark chapter in history. She challenges readers to confront the horrors of slavery while celebrating the resilience and indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom. The novel prompts important discussions on identity, justice, and empowerment, making it a valuable literary work for classroom settings and book clubs alike.

Copper Sun is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that transports readers to a time of immense suffering and resilience. Sharon Draper's powerful storytelling, combined with the depth of her characters, makes this book an essential read for anyone seeking to better understand the human experience during the transatlantic slave trade.

With its vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and unwavering hope, Copper Sun transcends its historical setting, resonating with readers of all backgrounds. Its exploration of themes such as resilience, friendship, and empowerment ensures its place as a timeless novel that continues to inspire and encourage critical conversations about the past, present, and future.

Copper Sun

by Sharon M. Draper(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6187 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	331 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

In this “searing work of historical fiction” (Booklist), Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Sharon M. Draper tells the epic story of a young girl torn from her African village, sold into slavery, and stripped of everything she has ever known—except hope.

Amari's life was once perfect. Engaged to the handsomest man in her tribe, adored by her family, and fortunate enough to live in a beautiful village, it never occurred to her that it could all be taken away in an instant. But that was what happened when her village was invaded by slave traders. Her family was brutally murdered as she was dragged away to a slave ship and sent to be sold in the Carolinas. There she was bought by a plantation owner and given to his son as a "birthday present".

Now, survival is all Amari can dream about. As she struggles to hold on to her memories, she also begins to learn English and make friends with a white indentured servant named Molly. When an opportunity to escape presents itself, Amari and Molly seize it, fleeing South to the Spanish colony in Florida at Fort Mose. Along the way, their strength is tested like never before as they struggle against hunger, cold, wild animals, hurricanes, and people eager to turn them in for reward money. The hope of a new life is all that keeps them going, but Florida feels so far away and sometimes Amari wonders how far hopes and dreams can really take her.