Forged by fire by Sharon Draper

Bibliographic Information:
Draper, S. M. (1997). Forged by fire. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN# 9780689806995

Plot Summary:
As a young child, Gerald learns to rely on himself. His drug-abusing mother, Monique, often leaves him alone, even though he is only three. Her version of parental guidance is to hold his hand over the burning flame of her cigarette lighter until his hand is quite burned after she finds him playing with it. Gerald’s life improves when he goes to live with his great aunt, Aunt Queen. Unfortunately, after several good years with Aunt Queen, Gerald’s mother comes back into his life and she brings him a step father, Jordan, and half sister, Angel. Then Aunt Queen dies, and Gerald is forced to live with Monique and Jordan. Jordon hits Monique as well as Gerald and then Gerald learns that Jordan is sexually abusing Angel. Gerald has a few bright spots in his life: Angel, basketball, his friend Rob, and Rob’s father. Getting Angel and himself away from Jordon becomes Gerald’s goal, but what can a teen do?

Critical Evaluation:
While half of the reviews indicated that Forge by fire was only a marginal book, it was “the 1997 Coretta Scott King Award winner, as well as the winner of the ALA BEST Book Award and the Parent's Choice Award and the Indiana Young Hoosier Award.” Unfortunately, too many young people will be able to relate to this book. But because of that, this book is needed. Teens who see their lives reflected in some way in this book, need to be able to read it to see how Gerald feels and deals with his family issues. Teens need to know that they are not alone. In addition, the story is well-written. It is easy to put yourself in Gerald’s position, hoping for him, rooting for him. Gerald is an example of someone who has grown up having a rough life, but who still tries and perseveres. Draper’s writing makes it clear that there is a genuine connection between Gerald and Angel, his half-sister. He not only feels protective of her, but she helps him cope with their situation.

Reader's Annotation:
Gerald has had a rough life, from having a drug-using mother who neglects him to losing the only reliable adult in his life, from living with an abusive step-father to desperately needed to protect his little sister from his incestuous step-father. Barely eking by, Gerald finds some relief from playing basketball and hanging out with his friend Rob and his family.

Information about the author:
Sharon Draper has written over 25 books, several of poetry, some for young adults, some for tweens, and some for teachers. She has received numerous awards not only for her writing, but also for being a teacher/educator. Further she has been “honored at the White House six times.” As a professional educator she believes in helping teachers and students. Therefore she travels around the US and various other countries “spreading the word about the power of accomplished teaching and excellence in education.” Currently she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and their dog, Honey.
http://sharondraper.com/formal-biography.asp

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts; Sociology

Booktalking Ideas:
• How should family members behave toward each other?
• Which characters meet with your criteria? How?
• Are any of the characters truly bad, truly good, or a combination? Describe how you would define the main characters and why.
• Compare Gerald’s family to Rob’s family.

Reading Level/Interest Level:
The widest age range, according to the reviews, is 11 – 18.

Challenge Issues:
Incest/rape; abuse; spousal abuse; underage drinking; neglect; drug abuse

If the book is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire novel.
• Show positive reviews of the novel.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the book:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
o Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
 Positive reviews
 Selection policy
 Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I did a search on Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database with the following criteria: Award winner, reviews available, and age range from 15 – 18.

Four positive reviews; four marginal reviews

Awards/ Best Books Lists:
• Appears on eight Best Books List
• Appears on three state/provincial reading lists
• Has won three awards

Reading/Interest level, selection process information, reviews, and Awards/Best Books Lists were accessed using the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database at http://clcd.odyssi.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~6WbIeF:4 accessed through SJSU and not available to everyone.