📖 Overview
Sharon Draper is an American educator and award-winning author known primarily for her young adult novels that explore challenging social issues affecting teenagers and the African American community. Her work spans over 30 books, including the highly regarded Hazelwood High trilogy and Out of My Mind, which remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over two years.
As a National Teacher of the Year recipient and veteran educator, Draper draws from her classroom experience to create authentic portrayals of young people facing real-world difficulties. Her novels often tackle themes of disability, racism, abuse, and coming-of-age challenges while maintaining accessibility for middle-grade and young adult readers.
Many of Draper's works have garnered significant recognition, including multiple Coretta Scott King Awards and ALA Best Book for Young Adults selections. Her novel Copper Sun, which tells the story of a 15-year-old African girl sold into slavery, earned the Coretta Scott King Award and is widely used in schools to teach about the history of slavery.
Draper continues to influence young adult literature through both her writing and her work as an educational consultant, having served on the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Draper's direct approach to difficult topics like racism, disability, and abuse in ways that resonate with young readers. Out of My Mind receives praise for its authentic portrayal of a child with cerebral palsy, with readers noting how it builds empathy and understanding.
Readers highlight Draper's skill at creating realistic teenage voices and dialogue. Parents and teachers frequently mention the educational value while noting the books remain engaging for students. One reader on Goodreads noted: "She writes about tough subjects without sugarcoating but also without overwhelming young readers."
Some readers find her writing style basic or her plot resolutions too neat. A few reviews mention predictable storylines and occasional heavy-handed messaging.
Ratings across platforms:
- Out of My Mind: 4.4/5 on Amazon (13,000+ reviews), 4.3/5 on Goodreads (205,000+ ratings)
- Tears of a Tiger: 4.6/5 on Amazon (2,000+ reviews), 4.1/5 on Goodreads (31,000+ ratings)
- Copper Sun: 4.7/5 on Amazon (1,000+ reviews), 4.2/5 on Goodreads (16,000+ ratings)
📚 Books by Sharon Draper
Romiette and Julio - A modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet featuring an African American girl and a Hispanic boy who face dangerous threats from a local gang that opposes their interracial relationship.
Tears of a Tiger - The first book in the Hazelwood High trilogy follows Andy Jackson as he struggles with guilt and depression after a drunk driving accident kills his best friend.
Out of My Mind - Chronicles the story of 11-year-old Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy and a photographic memory, as she fights to prove her intelligence despite being unable to speak.
Copper Sun - A historical novel depicting the journey of Amari, a 15-year-old African girl who is captured and sold into slavery in the American colonies.
Forged by Fire - The second book in the Hazelwood High trilogy follows Gerald Nickelby as he protects his sister from an abusive stepfather while dealing with family trauma.
Darkness Before Dawn - The final installment of the Hazelwood High trilogy centers on Keisha Montgomery, a high school senior whose relationship with a young teacher becomes dangerously inappropriate.
November Blues - Details the life of 16-year-old November Nelson as she deals with an unexpected pregnancy following the death of her boyfriend.
Battle of Jericho - Follows Jericho Prescott's struggle with dangerous fraternity hazing rituals while trying to maintain his identity and moral values.
Just Another Hero - Explores the lives of several high school students who must confront a potential school shooter among their peers.
Panic - Recounts the story of Diamond Landers, a dancer who is kidnapped after an audition and must find ways to escape her captors.
Tears of a Tiger - The first book in the Hazelwood High trilogy follows Andy Jackson as he struggles with guilt and depression after a drunk driving accident kills his best friend.
Out of My Mind - Chronicles the story of 11-year-old Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy and a photographic memory, as she fights to prove her intelligence despite being unable to speak.
Copper Sun - A historical novel depicting the journey of Amari, a 15-year-old African girl who is captured and sold into slavery in the American colonies.
Forged by Fire - The second book in the Hazelwood High trilogy follows Gerald Nickelby as he protects his sister from an abusive stepfather while dealing with family trauma.
Darkness Before Dawn - The final installment of the Hazelwood High trilogy centers on Keisha Montgomery, a high school senior whose relationship with a young teacher becomes dangerously inappropriate.
November Blues - Details the life of 16-year-old November Nelson as she deals with an unexpected pregnancy following the death of her boyfriend.
Battle of Jericho - Follows Jericho Prescott's struggle with dangerous fraternity hazing rituals while trying to maintain his identity and moral values.
Just Another Hero - Explores the lives of several high school students who must confront a potential school shooter among their peers.
Panic - Recounts the story of Diamond Landers, a dancer who is kidnapped after an audition and must find ways to escape her captors.
👥 Similar authors
Jacqueline Woodson writes coming-of-age stories that explore identity, family dynamics, and African American experiences through multiple perspectives and timeframes. Her work includes both verse and prose formats, addressing themes of race, sexuality, and personal growth for middle-grade and young adult readers.
Walter Dean Myers focuses on urban youth experiences and tackles complex social issues through realistic fiction and historical narratives. His books feature diverse protagonists navigating challenging circumstances while incorporating varied storytelling formats including journals, screenplays, and traditional prose.
Christopher Paul Curtis writes historical fiction centered on African American families, often incorporating humor while addressing serious themes. His work combines historical detail with compelling characters who face discrimination, family challenges, and personal growth.
Rita Williams-Garcia creates stories about family relationships and African American experiences across different time periods. Her novels examine social issues through young protagonists who develop self-awareness while navigating complex family dynamics and societal changes.
Jewell Parker Rhodes writes contemporary and historical fiction that addresses racial justice, community, and identity formation in young people's lives. Her work connects historical events to present-day experiences while exploring how young characters develop resilience and understanding in challenging circumstances.
Walter Dean Myers focuses on urban youth experiences and tackles complex social issues through realistic fiction and historical narratives. His books feature diverse protagonists navigating challenging circumstances while incorporating varied storytelling formats including journals, screenplays, and traditional prose.
Christopher Paul Curtis writes historical fiction centered on African American families, often incorporating humor while addressing serious themes. His work combines historical detail with compelling characters who face discrimination, family challenges, and personal growth.
Rita Williams-Garcia creates stories about family relationships and African American experiences across different time periods. Her novels examine social issues through young protagonists who develop self-awareness while navigating complex family dynamics and societal changes.
Jewell Parker Rhodes writes contemporary and historical fiction that addresses racial justice, community, and identity formation in young people's lives. Her work connects historical events to present-day experiences while exploring how young characters develop resilience and understanding in challenging circumstances.