A review by hickorynut
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Amari's journey begins with her a content, betrothed young teen in her village in Africa. Pale-skinned strangers approach her community and they are greeted warmly and welcomed with a grand celebration that ends as they turn upon the villagers, massacring many and enslaving those remaining. Amari is taken captive, and forced to begin a long journey shackled to her peers to reach the shore and ship awaiting them.

Amari survives her journey at sea, losing the remainder of her dignity and innocence. She is sold to a plantation owner alongside a young white girl named Polly burdened by a family debt of 14 years of service. Despite their differences, their efforts to survive bring them closer and eventually allow them to escape together.

Despite being for younger readers, this book does not shy away from the stark, horrendous realities that awaited enslaved folks. It captures only a fraction of the cruelty truly endured, but alludes to more. Absolutely a critically important piece of history that the author crafted in a devastatingly realistic way.