BOOK BRIEF

Push

Sapphire
Guide cover placeholder

Push

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Sapphire

Push

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

180

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

Coming of Age
Setting

Harlem, New York • 1980s

Topic
Trauma & Abuse
Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Push by Sapphire details the harrowing journey of an illiterate young woman in Harlem who faces numerous adversities, including abuse and neglect. Through the support of an alternative school and a dedicated teacher, she begins to reclaim her sense of self and power, finding hope and a path to literacy and self-discovery.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Sapphire's Push is a raw and harrowing tale, praised for its unflinching portrayal of a young girl's struggle against extreme adversity. The powerful narrative voice and emotional gravity have been highlighted as major strengths. However, its graphic content and intense themes may be overwhelming for some readers. Overall, it is a compelling but challenging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Push?

Readers who appreciate raw, intense narratives of personal struggle would enjoy Push by Sapphire. Fans of The Color Purple by Alice Walker and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, which also explore themes of abuse and resilience in African American women's lives, will find Push deeply compelling and emotionally powerful.

Book Details
Pages

180

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

Coming of Age
Setting

Harlem, New York • 1980s

Topic
Trauma & Abuse
Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!