37 pages • 1 hour read
Darkness Before Dawn
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Cincinnati, Ohio • 2000s
2001
Middle grade
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper follows high school senior Keisha Montgomery as she navigates the aftermath of her boyfriend's suicide and faces new challenges, including threat from a manipulative student-teacher, while drawing on her friendships and family support to cope and grow. The book addresses themes such as loss, trauma, and recovery for teenagers. This novel contains the sensitive topic of date rape.
Emotional
Dark
Inspirational
Unnerving
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
5,980 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper receives a mix of praise and criticism. Readers commend its realistic portrayal of complex teen issues and strong character development. However, some feel the plot is predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's seen as a compelling yet sometimes challenging read that effectively addresses serious themes.
Who Should Read Darkness Before Dawn?
Fans of contemporary young adult fiction tackling real-life issues will appreciate Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper. Similar to novels like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, it engages readers with its intense, emotive exploration of identity, trauma, and resilience.
5,980 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Cincinnati, Ohio • 2000s
2001
Middle grade
14-18 years
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