Forged By Fire, Sharon Draper Coretta Scott Kind Award Winner

   My Language Arts class and I, just finished this novel about a week ago.  I chose to use this novel along with our studies of Black History because of the rich discussion in diversity the story provides. I really enjoyed this novel because it teaches kids that struggles will come into your life no matter what background you grow up in. From the beginning of the book as a toddler, Gerald is strong and independent.  He keeps himself alive during an awful fire, and finally gets away from the clutches of his drug addicted mother.  However, when his Aunt Queen dies, we see Gerald have to become a man very quickly.  He is thrust back in the a life full of abuse, but he has more at stake this time around because he has his sister Angel to look after as well.  Gerald becomes her protector, and realizes that life isn’t fair and that you have to stand up and protect those you love. 

The one thing I loved about this story is that teenagers can be the hero!  Even though some consider teenagers to young to know what hard times are, they can and they can make through the toughest of times.  Teenagers can overcome the obstacles in their way to protect the ones they love and be successful in life even with all the odds stacked up against.  I guess the old saying is true, don’t judge a book by it cover.  Draper has a true understanding of what “teenage” life is like, and I can relate to that being an eighth grade teacher.  Her characters are realistic and provide the reader with someone to connect to, and get advice from.  She has a diverse group of young individuals in this story.  They range from African-American to white and hispanic.  She discusses prominent and happy communities, down to poor and in despair. What really reached me in this story was how Gerald never gave in to the circumstances around him.  He fought to be a better person, and make a better life for Angel and himself.  I really think he would be an excellent role model for young, struggling kids to look up to!