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Binding: Unknown BindingEAN: 9780780779136 ISBN: 0780779134 Label: Perfection Learning Manufacturer: Perfection Learning Number Of Items: 1 Publication Date: 1998-01 Publisher: Perfection Learning Reading Level: Ages 9-12 Studio: Perfection Learning Related Items:
Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Amazon.com Review: Sharon Draper has indeed forged a fiery name for herself in the field of young adult literature--that of a courageous writer, willing to tackle tough, real-life problems while developing honorable, streetwise role models for troubled teens. Her previous novel, Tears of the Tiger, garnered much acclaim and became the first recipient of the Coretta Scott King Genesis Award. In this second novel, Draper weaves in characters from Tears--most significantly Gerald Nickleby, a young basketball player who discovers his innate strength and determination while protecting his stepsister's safety and his mother's honor. Unfortunately, Draper's strengths (her desire to delve into tough social issues, such as child abuse, drug addiction, incest, bulimia, and domestic violence) become this book's weakness as the story line teeters on implausible. For example, in less than 20 pages Gerald faces the following: the death of a close friend (a passenger in a car that was driven by a drunk teammate); the discovery of his drunk, evil stepfather trying to sexually assault his younger stepsister; a brutal attack by his stepfather; and a raging apartment fire that threatens to kill them all. Nonetheless, Draper creates believable and important heroes for teenage boys--those who are forged from adversity, only to burn more brightly and courageous. (Ages 12 and older) --Gail Hudson Product Description: When Gerald was a child he was fascinated by fire. But fire is dangerous and powerful, and tragedy strikes. His substance-addicted mother is taken from him. Then he loses the loving generosity of a favorite aunt. A brutal stepfather with a flaming temper and an evil secret makes his life miserable. The one bright light in Gerald's life is his little half sister, Angel, whom he struggles to protect from her father, Jordan Sparks, who abuses her, and from their mother, whose irresponsible behavior forces Gerald to work hard to keep the family together. As a teenager, Gerald finds success as a member of the Hazelwood Tigers basketball team, while Angel develops her talents as a dancer. Trouble still haunts them, however, and Gerald learns, painfully, that young friends can die and old enemies must be faced. In the end he must stand up to his stepfather alone in a blazing confrontation. Sharon M. Draper has interwoven characters and events from her previous novel, Tears of a Tiger, in this unflinchingly realistic portrayal of poverty and child abuse. It is an inspiring story of a young man who rises above the tragic circumstances of his life by drawing on the love and strength of family and friends. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Hook your reluctant readers!If you have reluctant middle school readers, this is the book for you! Just read the first paragraph to them and shut the book. They will scramble to read the rest. Sharon M. Draper is a remarkable writer who puts the reader right in the middle of the story. You can never go wrong with one of her novels! Rating:  - Has a magical effect on reluctant teen readers, but responsible adults beware...I have read this book out loud so many times, I have whole passages of it memorized. I am a middle school English teacher in an urban school, and in common with at least one other reviewer of this book, I know that this book has the power to turn kids on to reading. My most reluctant readers and squirmiest students sit in rapt attention at this book and often seek out more of Draper's books on their own. Even if they don't find any more of her books (my resources are limited!) it often makes kids ... Read More Rating:  - Forged by Fire by Sharon M. DraperForged by Fire is about a young boy named Gerald. Gerald lives with his mother who is addicted to drugs. Gerald was left home alone one day. As a toddler, not knowing that what he was doing was wrong, Gerald set the house on fire. Luckily he survived and his mother was put in jail. Meanwhile Gerald was sent to live with his Aunt Queen. Life with Aunt Queen was better. After a few years he reunites with his mother. Later Aunt Queen dies. Well the end has some turns and I will let you find out what happens ... Read More Rating: - FORGED by FIRE Forged by Fire By Sharon M. Draper is about a boy named Gerald. His mother is a drug addict and would leave him home alone. He finally gets away from the abuse. He gets to live with his loving aunt until she dies. Gerald has to go live with his mom and his new stepdad. Jordan his new stepdad is very angry and abusive but know one knows that Jordan is doing sexual things to Angel. Gerald finds out and cant take it anymore. This book is a very excellent book. I like it because it has drama and at the ... Read More Rating: - Forged by FireHard to put down! Even if you don't like to read, it's an interesting story. 
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