49 pages • 1 hour read
Copper Sun
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Early America • 1730s
2006
YA
14-18 years
820L
Super Short Summary
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper follows fifteen-year-old Amari from Ziavi, Ghana, who is kidnapped by slavers after her village is destroyed and her family killed. She endures a harrowing journey to the Americas, where she is sold to a plantation in South Carolina. Alongside Polly, a white indentured servant, and Tidbit, a young boy, Amari ultimately finds a path to freedom in Spanish Florida. Sensitive topics include violence, sexual assault, and the brutality of slavery.
Dark
Emotional
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
17,755 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper receives acclaim for its powerful and poignant depiction of slavery, with readers praising its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Critics highlight Draper's compelling narrative and well-developed characters. However, some note the graphic content may be intense for younger audiences. Overall, it is a highly respected contribution to historical fiction.
Who Should Read Copper Sun?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with deep emotional impact, such as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor or Roots by Alex Haley, will find Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper compelling. This novel appeals to those interested in stories of resilience and the human spirit during the era of American slavery.
17,755 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Polly
Polly
A white girl who initially contrasts with Amari but gradually aligns more closely with her, reflecting on societal norms and her own prejudices during their journey.
Percival Derby
Percival Derby
A white plantation owner at Derbyshire Farms who embodies the oppressive and arrogant attitudes of his time.
Clay Derby
Clay Derby
The son of Percival Derby, who exhibits a complex and troubling relationship with Amari, revealing the deep-seated issues of the era.
Isabelle Derby
Isabelle Derby
Percival's wife, who presents a more compassionate demeanor toward enslaved individuals despite living within an oppressive system.
Teenie
Teenie
An experienced elder at Derbyshire Farms who becomes a maternal figure to Amari and provides wisdom about resilience and remembrance.
336
Novel • Fiction
Early America • 1730s
2006
YA
14-18 years
820L
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