Copper Sun

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.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 01/01/2006
ISBN: 9780689821813
Pages: 302
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 1.10d
Award: Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Nevada Young Readers' Award - Nominee
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers - Nominee
Award: Black-Eyed Susan Award - Nominee
Award: Tayshas Reading - Commended
Award: Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award - Nominee
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Heartland Award - Winner
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Coretta Scott King Award - Winner
Award: Society of Midland Authors Award - Finalist

Review Citations: Kirkus Review - Children 01/01/2006 pg. 39
Publishers Weekly 01/09/2006 pg. 55
School Library Journal 01/01/2006 pg. 130
Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2006 pg. 484 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Booklist 02/01/2006 pg. 61
Kliatt 01/01/2006 pg. 6
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2006 pg. 348 - Recommended
Black Issues Book Review 07/01/2006 pg. 32
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2006 pg. 357 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw
Multicultural Review 10/01/2006 pg. 100
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2006 pg. 38

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 104029 / Copper Sun
Reading Level: 5.2 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 11