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The item is fairly worn but still readable. The book may have some cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, sunburn, stains, water damage, bent, torn, damaged binding, dent. The dust jacket if present, may be marked, and have considerable heavy wear. The book might be ex-library copy, and may have the markings and stickers associated from the library - The book may have considerable highlights, notes, underlined pages but the text is legible The item is fairly worn but still readable. The book may have some cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, sunburn, stains, water damage, bent, torn, damaged binding, dent. The dust jacket if present, may be marked, and have considerable heavy wear. The book might be ex-library copy, and may have the markings and stickers associated from the library - The book may have considerable highlights, notes, underlined pages but the text is legible See less
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Copper Sun Hardcover – January 1, 2006

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,459 ratings

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A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

In this “searing work of historical fiction” (Booklist), Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Sharon M. Draper tells the epic story of a young girl torn from her African village, sold into slavery, and stripped of everything she has ever known—except hope.

Amari's life was once perfect. Engaged to the handsomest man in her tribe, adored by her family, and fortunate enough to live in a beautiful village, it never occurred to her that it could all be taken away in an instant. But that was what happened when her village was invaded by slave traders. Her family was brutally murdered as she was dragged away to a slave ship and sent to be sold in the Carolinas. There she was bought by a plantation owner and given to his son as a "birthday present".

Now, survival is all Amari can dream about. As she struggles to hold on to her memories, she also begins to learn English and make friends with a white indentured servant named Molly. When an opportunity to escape presents itself, Amari and Molly seize it, fleeing South to the Spanish colony in Florida at Fort Mose. Along the way, their strength is tested like never before as they struggle against hunger, cold, wild animals, hurricanes, and people eager to turn them in for reward money. The hope of a new life is all that keeps them going, but Florida feels so far away and sometimes Amari wonders how far hopes and dreams can really take her.
"Layla" by Colleen Hoover for $7.19
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 8 Up–This action-packed, multifaceted, character-rich story describes the shocking realities of the slave trade and plantation life while portraying the perseverance, resourcefulness, and triumph of the human spirit. Amari is a 15-year-old Ashanti girl who is happily anticipating her marriage to Besa. Then, slavers arrive in her village, slaughter her family, and shatter her world. Shackled, frightened, and despondent, she is led to the Cape Coast where she is branded and forced onto a boat of death for the infamous Middle Passage to the Carolinas. There, Percival Derby buys her as a gift for his son's 16th birthday. Trust and friendship develop between Amari and Polly, a white indentured servant, and when their mistress gives birth to a black baby, the teens try to cover up Mrs. Derby's transgression. However, Mr. Derby's brutal fury spurs them to escape toward the rumored freedom of Fort Mose, a Spanish colony in Florida. Although the narrative focuses alternately on Amari and Polly, the story is primarily Amari's, and her pain, hope, and determination are acute. Cruel white stereotypes abound except for the plantation's mistress, whose love is colorblind; the doctor who provides the ruse for the girls' escape; and the Irish woman who gives the fugitives a horse and wagon. As readers embrace Amari and Polly, they will better understand the impact of human exploitation and suffering throughout history. In addition, they will gain a deeper knowledge of slavery, indentured servitude, and 18th-century sanctuaries for runaway slaves.–Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 9-12. Best known for her contemporary African American characters, Draper's latest novel is a searing work of historical fiction that imagines a 15-year-old African girl's journey through American slavery. The story begins in Amari's Ashanti village, but the idyllic scene explodes in bloodshed when slavers arrive and murder her family. Amari and her beloved, Besa, are shackled, and so begins the account of impossible horrors from the slave fort, the Middle Passage, and auction on American shores, where a rice plantation owner buys Amari for his 16-year-old son's sexual enjoyment. In brutal specifics, Draper shows the inhumanity: Amari is systematically raped on the slave ship and on the plantation and a slave child is used as alligator bait by white teenagers. And she adds to the complex history in alternating chapters that flip between Amari and Polly, an indentured white servant on Amari's plantation. A few plot elements, such as Amari's chance meeting with Besa, are contrived. But Draper builds the explosive tension to the last chapter, and the sheer power of the story, balanced between the overwhelmingly brutal facts of slavery and Amari's ferocious survivor's spirit, will leave readers breathless, even as they consider the story's larger questions about the infinite costs of slavery and how to reconcile history. A moving author's note discusses the real places and events on which the story is based. Give this to teens who have read Julius Lester's Day of Tears (2005). Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atheneum Books for Young Readers; First Edition (January 1, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0689821816
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0689821813
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 820L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,459 ratings

About the author

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Sharon M. Draper
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Sharon Draper is a two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author, most recently for Copper Sun, and previously for Forged by Fire. She's also the recipient of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Author Award for New Talent for Tears of a Tiger and the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for The Battle of Jericho and November Blues. Her other books include Romiette and Julio, Darkness Before Dawn, and Double Dutch. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she taught high school English for twenty-five years. She's a popular conference speaker, addressing educational and literary groups both nationally and internationally.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,459 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and well-written. They describe the story as poignant, moving, and inspiring. The historical details are well-researched and informative. The writing style is easy to understand and engaging for young readers. The book keeps their attention with its rich language and exciting plot. Readers appreciate the excellent character development and feel the emotions the characters experience. Overall, the book encourages perseverance and hope.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

99 customers mention "Readability"99 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find the story interesting and engaging, with an excellent story based on research. The author keeps readers hooked with descriptive writing and symbolic imagery. Overall, customers consider the book worth its award and praise it as a good read.

"...I never knew what an indentured servant was? This story was beautiful but I felt Polly, Amari and Tidbit had tremendous luck with getting to..." Read more

"Copper Sun is a fantastic and interesting read. It brings the reader into the main character, Amari's life and the obstacles she had to overcome...." Read more

"This book was fantastic! I was watching NY1 one morning and some students were sharing the books they were reading this summer...." Read more

"...Review: I love this book so much! The story is fascinating and beautiful! I don't want to spoil anything but I highly recommend this! WOW!..." Read more

44 customers mention "Enlightenedness"41 positive3 negative

Customers find the story poignant and moving. They find the book inspiring and interesting, bringing them back to their emotions. The book teaches about culture and opens their eyes to the atrocities of slavery in America.

"...Reading this book makes the reader feel alive and excited to cheer Amari on! The quest for freedom pulls at the readers heart strings...." Read more

"...There are many sad and stressful moments; the author is very good at pulling you into the emotions of what it would be like to live through the..." Read more

"...Wow Sharon can write! Everything about this book was amazing, true, sad, happy, love! A must read" Read more

"...Makes it real and heartbreaking." Read more

24 customers mention "Historical accuracy"24 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical accuracy. They find the research thorough and the information great. The book is enlightening and educational, with facts that are true.

"...I loved how the Author put a lot of historical places and research into this book. I love how she added the indentured servant Polly...." Read more

"...The author clearly did her research. That was made apparent early own when she depicted African storytelling...." Read more

"...Wow Sharon can write! Everything about this book was amazing, true, sad, happy, love! A must read" Read more

"...Makes it real and heartbreaking." Read more

23 customers mention "Reading level"21 positive2 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand for young readers. It's a great read for middle school kids and adults. The book is historically accurate and written from a teenage perspective. It's educational and one of the most popular books for teenagers to read.

"...abd acts of slavery, it was written in a way that a young reader could understand without it being extremely graphic...." Read more

"...Very educational for everyone especially in today's time...." Read more

"...Historically accurate, written from a teenage perspective, and dramatic enough for teenagers - this will be a hit." Read more

"...I read this in two days, I think it would be good for high school level reading." Read more

22 customers mention "Writing style"19 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it easy to read, with rich language and an engaging plot. The book paints a vivid picture of African-American struggles through words.

"...Draper constantly provides Amari with obstacles to overcome. The rich language and excellent character development provide readers with an exciting..." Read more

"...this is consider a young adult read so that’s why the simplistic writing style and the lack of profanity...." Read more

"...Wow Sharon can write! Everything about this book was amazing, true, sad, happy, love! A must read" Read more

"So very well written with searing details that bring the horrors of slavery in America into stark relief...." Read more

12 customers mention "Attention span"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's attention span. They find it entertaining for children and adults alike, provoking discussion and enjoyment. The book is well-written and captures the reader's interest until the end.

"...Reading this book makes the reader feel alive and excited to cheer Amari on! The quest for freedom pulls at the readers heart strings...." Read more

"...Everything about this book was amazing, true, sad, happy, love! A must read" Read more

"My 13 yo son had to read this over the summer for school. It kept his interest and prompted hours of discussion regarding the past and present...." Read more

"...It was excellent. Rated as 9-12th grade, it can be enjoyed by adults as well...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find the language rich and the characters' emotions portrayed engaging. The book highlights the strength and character of women at the time.

"Copper Sun is a fantastic and interesting read. It brings the reader into the main character, Amari's life and the obstacles she had to overcome...." Read more

"...But after I finished, I was in love. The character development is great...." Read more

"Characters were well developed. Their interactions were plausible and very well layered...." Read more

"...It shows the strength and character of women at the time." Read more

6 customers mention "Resilience"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for overcoming challenges. They mention it gives them strength and perseverance. The author is described as brave and triumphant against obstacles.

"...about their history because in may ways it will give them strength, perseverance and will also assist in shaping their future...." Read more

"...She continued to maintain her strength and courage through out the journey...." Read more

"...and focused on themes of feminism, motherhood, and faith against seemingly insurmountable odds...." Read more

"...Such a moving and powerful story. People really are resilient. I read it in a day, I couldn't put it down." Read more

Well written, important read. Recommend for Mature Audience
4 out of 5 stars
Well written, important read. Recommend for Mature Audience
All that Amari has ever known is gone. Her parents and brother killed by the slave traders, Amari captured, forced onto a slave ship and transported to the Carolina’s. There she’s subjected to even more cruelties, beaten and raped, Amari was certain that her life was over but fate had a different plan.Rumor has it that there is place called Fort Mose in Spanish Florida, where the streets are golden and slaves are freed. This is the hope that Amari and her companions hold onto as they run from the plantation, travel south instead of north and fight for their freedom.This book is categorized as YA and although the writing at times seemed geared toward a younger audience, I personally feel that the story itself should only be read by adults or mature teens. Amari’s story, though important is harsh, the defilement and outright cruelty she experienced shows what the slaves endured on an everyday basis and how she persevered is a miracle. It is a tragic story with a lot of heart and ultimately a good ending. A well written, important read, that I recommend for a mature audience.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2020
    I read this book in middle school and never got a chance to finish reading it. I’m happy I was able to remember the name of the book and find out what happened to Amari. I loved how the Author put a lot of historical places and research into this book. I love how she added the indentured servant Polly. I never knew what an indentured servant was?
    This story was beautiful but I felt Polly, Amari and Tidbit had tremendous luck with getting to freedom. Seems like everyone was willing to help them which I found odd. I understand that the book is suppose to be Fiction but it didn’t seem realistic to only have Clay searching for them?
    I’m pretty sure back in those times runaways slaves/indentured servants were hunt down. I just wish the author would have made that part more realistic . I wish she would of added in the story slave hunters and people putting up rewards for them to be captured. It would of made me feel like I was transported back in time. Other than that this was an incredible story. Towards the end of the book is the best part. You can actually look up all the websites/research she used to create this book. I looked up most of those websites and was quite amazed. I’m a huge history buff so this was very exciting for me. 😍❤️😁
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2012
    Copper Sun is a fantastic and interesting read. It brings the reader into the main character, Amari's life and the obstacles she had to overcome. This book is hard to put down with the rich language and the exciting plot! Reading this book makes the reader feel alive and excited to cheer Amari on! The quest for freedom pulls at the readers heart strings. Young adult readers will relate well to this novel due to the adventure and the Amari's passion for hope and faith. Teen readers can relate to the themes of friendship, love, and death and how a young girl deals with it all. Both boy and girl readers will see this book as a new and different way to read about the historical events before the Civil War and the harshness of slavery. Young adults will love the change in main character from traditional boy protagonists, to Amari, a young girl who has to start a whole new life without family and anyone she has ever known. Draper constantly provides Amari with obstacles to overcome. The rich language and excellent character development provide readers with an exciting and thrilling read. As a reader, you will be on the edge of your seat waiting for whats next in the life of Amari in Copper Sun!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2016
    This book was fantastic! I was watching NY1 one morning and some students were sharing the books they were reading this summer. One little girl shared this book and said it was the best book she'd ever read! So I bought it and noticed it had earned a Corretta Scott King Award, as well. Although it only mildly touched on the horrible institution abd acts of slavery, it was written in a way that a young reader could understand without it being extremely graphic. I am a kindergarten teacher in an African American community and while I cannot use it as a Read Aloud for my students, I will absolutely ask my principal if she can purchase a copy for each upper grade teacher to be used for our daily, morning, read aloud. Our children must learn about their history because in may ways it will give them strength, perseverance and will also assist in shaping their future. Sharon Draper did an amazing job!
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2021
    Quality Rating: 5/5
    Based on price: 5/5
    Time with Product: 4 years (purchased in 2017)

    Review:
    I love this book so much! The story is fascinating and beautiful! I don't want to spoil anything but I highly recommend this! WOW! I love it!

    The paperback quality is great, the book has held up well for 4 years.

    PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY THIS BOOK AND READ IT! WOW! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!

    Thank you for reading my review!
    If there are any questions or concerns please contact me, I am happy to help.
    Email - ramit6782@gmail.com

    Have fun shopping! :)
    - Rami Taha
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
    The book was as wonderful as could be expected considering the subject matter. The author clearly did her research. That was made apparent early own when she depicted African storytelling. It was fast pace and the writing style was simplistic. I later discovered this is consider a young adult read so that’s why the simplistic writing style and the lack of profanity. Yes, there were racial slurs and derogatory remarks, but nowhere near as heavy and hard hitting as other books I’ve read. I would consider it “clean” and the rape scenes were brief and not detailed. I will say I initially struggled with Polly’s introduction into the story. My mind immediately went to white savior and I was put off. Even after I realized that wasn’t the narrative the author was going for I still struggled to like her detailed presence and felt like the story should have been solely focused on Amari. However after I got about half way through the book the author skillfully made me forget all about that dislike with a surprising plot twist. From then on I had to read with my hand covering the adjacent page because my eyes would try to skip over and read what’s next. The end of their journey had started to feel a bit fairytalish but the author subtly rectified that with numerous clear facts. So that was appreciated. I feel like some authors try to say “well yeah they went through all these horrible things but they finally were free and lived happily ever after”… like no, not quite.

    In the afterword, Draper does separate fact from fiction and encourages the reader to do some deeper research of their own. She list numerous informative sites as well as books. I do feel like the simplistic writing style and the fast pace story took away from the emotional depth of the characters. Just to clarify, this is a work of fiction but the facts of the story are true.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • luciérnaga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente servicio, llegó antes de lo esperado.
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 26, 2021
    En óptimas condiciones el producto.
  • Lenkil432
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book you have to read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2020
    One of the most beautiful and haunting books I’ve ever read. Couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking to learn more about the slave trade and the true horrors so many innocent people experienced. You feel the sun described and the smells of the earth. The author is captivating with her words, incredible experience.
  • Black Forest Academy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Judgement is a powerful thing...
    Reviewed in Germany on May 14, 2020
    "This book is about a girl trapped in the world of slavery. She journeys through the horrors and joys of this world as she grows as a human & woman. Judgement is a powerful thing. It can propel you for the good or bad. Copper Sun causes you to think about not only the cause and effect but also the why. It can be a very hard book to read. You end up journeying through the horror, pain, joy and agony of Amari's life. A good discussion book."
    This was the recommendation a student gave me of Copper Sun when we decided to purchase a copy. It's a captivating story that draws in and engages the reader.
  • Lionel Guy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2016
    Excellent. A good history of slavery era.
  • Rosa M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Llegó mucho antes de lo esperado
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 25, 2020
    El producto cumplió con mis expectativas y llegó mucho antes de lo esperado