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infogdss29's review
3.0
A hazing incident culminates in loss of life at a high school where select teens compete to become members of a prestigious and long-standing community service organization. Jericho is excited to be chosen and happy that his circle of friends are also being invited into the inner circle, but as the initiation events become more intense, his discomfort level increases. Not only must Jericho examine his priorities (belonging to a social club verses preparing for his future career) but he also calls into question his personal ethics. Do girls deserve the same chances as boys, even when their emotional and physical well-being is threatened? Does being a man mean you shut up, or stand up?
The realistic plot raises many issues for discussion, including sex roles, peer pressure and hazing. The ending has a clever twist, with Draper manipulating the reader into thinking another character might be lost. However, reading this book was frustrating on several levels. Something about the dialogue, peppered with slang, didn't quiet ring true for this reviewer; it could be the subject of the conversations isn't always believable (boys having one-on-one conversations about the objects of their affection), and the use of black dialect is sometimes distracting to the story.
Above all, it is disconcerting that a seasoned author who makes a major mistake of first time writers won a major children's book award for The Battle of Jericho. "Show not tell" is the first rule of good writing, and throughout the entire novel, Draper tells the reader how the characters are feeling and directs the reader how to take their comments by using language such as "Josh hooted" and "Arielle laughed." She also modifies the "saids" with adverbs ("Rudy added ominously") instead of conveying the thoughts and feelings of the characters through their actions and words. Hopefully, the next book by this dynamite storyteller will have a better editor.
The realistic plot raises many issues for discussion, including sex roles, peer pressure and hazing. The ending has a clever twist, with Draper manipulating the reader into thinking another character might be lost. However, reading this book was frustrating on several levels. Something about the dialogue, peppered with slang, didn't quiet ring true for this reviewer; it could be the subject of the conversations isn't always believable (boys having one-on-one conversations about the objects of their affection), and the use of black dialect is sometimes distracting to the story.
Above all, it is disconcerting that a seasoned author who makes a major mistake of first time writers won a major children's book award for The Battle of Jericho. "Show not tell" is the first rule of good writing, and throughout the entire novel, Draper tells the reader how the characters are feeling and directs the reader how to take their comments by using language such as "Josh hooted" and "Arielle laughed." She also modifies the "saids" with adverbs ("Rudy added ominously") instead of conveying the thoughts and feelings of the characters through their actions and words. Hopefully, the next book by this dynamite storyteller will have a better editor.
rekadarnb's review
4.0
This book was intense, and I suggest a lot of young people read it, should they ever be in a similar situation. Now with my take on the subject matter being said, some of the characters just plain got on my nerves, especially Jericho and Arielle. Jericho was just so...I don't even know how to describe him. Arielle was just wrong, but I knew that from jump. Other than that, I'd recommend it.
mtayl104's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
corky12's review
This book was probably very important when it came out in the '90s. Now, in 2024, you don't hear about things like hazing anymore. So it doesn't feel relevant or relatable, which makes it hard to read for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Sexual content
nic_fish's review
4.0
Good book but difficult at times to read. I wanted to read but had to keep taking a break.
briannethebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Jericho Prescott is psyched when he and his cousin are asked to pledge for the most exclusive and reputable club at their high school, the Warriors of Distinction. The club is known for their community service and highly regarded social events. When the initiation begins, Jericho and the rest of the pledges are asked to do some demeaning activities to prove their commitment, and Jericho begins to question whether membership to this club is worth it, especially when the pledging activities interfere with his music dreams.
This was pretty heavy for a high school book, yeesh! I really enjoyed reading it and feel there’s an important message to be learned for teenagers. I think that dangerous hazing is something that has become a rising problem, and it’s a great topic for discussion. I didn’t give it five stars because I really wanted to see a Jericho wrestle a little more with his decision between the Warriors of Distinction and his music. Overall I highly recommend, especially to high school and college-aged kids.
This was pretty heavy for a high school book, yeesh! I really enjoyed reading it and feel there’s an important message to be learned for teenagers. I think that dangerous hazing is something that has become a rising problem, and it’s a great topic for discussion. I didn’t give it five stars because I really wanted to see a Jericho wrestle a little more with his decision between the Warriors of Distinction and his music. Overall I highly recommend, especially to high school and college-aged kids.
liyah1234's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
kwbat12's review
4.0
Really excellent writing and context. I liked that there was a person in a wheelchair in the story, and that he played a major role. The ending was horrific and really put into perspective some of the finer points of the story. The female power was a very awesome thing to see, as well as a clear view of the power that males in power can have over females. I'd be interested to read the others in the series to see what happens to the characters, especially the group leaders and the main character, Jericho, and his trumpet playing. All in all, a very excellent novel.
sarahfett's review
1.0
I read this for the class Resources for Young Adults while working on my Masters of Library and Information Science.
ladyladyloveme's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75