I first discovered Sharon M. Draper in high school. I found The Battle of Jericho at the Russell Memorial Library in Chesapeake. She introduced me to a whole new world. Through her books, I quickly gained a better understanding of African-American teenagers and their lives. Draper’s writing is incredibly realistic, and I felt connected to many of the characters. I’m adding a few of her books to my TBR, also.

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Sharon M. Draper was born August 21, 1948. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she graduated from Pepperdine University. She’s married, and has two children, a son and a daughter.

She was named the 1997 National Teacher of the Year. She has received multiple national and international awards and recognition. Draper is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Several of her books have been listed on the New York Times Bestseller List.

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Hazelwood Trilogy

• Tears of a Tiger (1994)
• Forged by Fire (1997)
• Darkness Before Dawn (2001)

I read this trilogy, one after the other, after reading The Battle of Jericho. It was so life-like, I needed a break after finishing the series. It shows the consequences of driving drunk, to say the least.

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Jericho series

• The Battle of Jericho (2003)
• November Blues (2007)
• Just Another Hero (2009)

I read The Battle of Jericho first, and then I had to wait until November Blues was published in my senior year of high school. I remember feeling ecstatic when Just Another Hero was announced when I was in college. Like the Hazelwood trilogy, Draper covers many real-life topics in these books, including hazing, teenage pregnancy, tragic deaths, and school shootings, to name a few.

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Romiette and Julio (1999)

I don’t actually remember reading this, so I’m adding it to my TBR.

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Double Dutch (2002)

Like some of the other books, I don’t remember reading this one. This is also going on the TBR!

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Copper Sun (2006)

This is one of her historical novels. I remember reading parts of it, but I don’t think I finished it. I’m putting this one on my TBR.

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Fire from the Rock (2007)

This is one of my favorite books from Draper. I love historical novels, and this one is written in journal / diary-style. I definitely want to re-read it soon.

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Out of My Mind (2010)

This is another book I’m adding to my TBR. It’s told from the perspective of a girl with cerebral palsy. I have deep appreciation for writers that respectfully approach and write about individuals with challenges.

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I hope Draper will continue to write and publish! I look forward to reading and re-reading her books, especially her historical novels.

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What about you?

Have you read any of Sharon M. Draper’s works?

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Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂