Plot Summary
As a child, Gerald Nickleby lives with his drug-addicted mother who often leaves him alone for hours at a time. When she is home she is cruel and abusive often apologizing after her many violent episodes. Gerald is fascinated by fire and his fascination leads to him burning the house down while his mother is gone. Luckily he is saved. His wheelchair-bound Aunt Queen gains custody of him while his mother is sent away to jail after authorities see the signs of abuse on Gerald's body. Aunt Queen is a kind woman who nurtures Gerald and gives him the love he missed growing up with his mother. The morning before his ninth birthday Aunt Queen gives him the news that his mother is out of jail and coming to visit. To make up for the bad news, Aunt Queen gives Gerald his birthday present early. A brand new bike is hiding in the garage. The birthday arrives and with it comes Gerald's mother along with her new husband, Jordan, and his shy daughter, Angel. Jordan is a cold man with darkness in his eyes. Gerald's mother brings more bad news with her. She wants Gerald to live with her, Jordan, and Angel. The news is too shocking for Gerald and with tears in his eyes he runs out the door. When he returns his mother and Jordan are gone, but Angel is still there with Aunt Queen. Gerald and Angel immediately form a bond. He feels like he must protect the tiny girl, but doesn't yet know or understand why. He takes Angel out to ride his new bike. When they come home bursting through the door and laughing they find Aunt Queen lying on the floor. She is dead. Gerald's life with mother and new family begins. He soon realizes why he must protect Angel. His stepfather is hiding a horrible secret. Gerald and Angel grow up into teenagers and form a bond that allows them to survive the abuse Jordan directs at them. Gerald isn't scared of Jordan and does his best at making smart decisions, but Angel is terrified. She too holds a dark secret. Will the secret destroy the family, or will the secret come out and save the kids from their horrible life?
Critical Evaluation
Forged by Fire is the second book in Draper's Hazelwood High trilogy. Many of the characters from her first book in the series, Tears of a Tiger, appear in this book. Draper creates vivid and emotionally aware characters that the reader wants to see overcome their obstacles. Jordan is portrayed as a monster, but one that so many teenagers from abusive households have encountered. This is an important book that touches on the topic of abuse. It has a message that abused teenagers have the power to change the circumstances they are in even if it doesn't seem so. Forged by Fire is touching, heartbreaking, and well worth the read.
Reader's Annotation
Gerald must protect his stepsister from a violent father while growing into a man and keeping his dignity.
About the Author
Sharon M. Draper lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she taught English for twenty-five years. She has been active in the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and was named National Teacher of the Year in 1997.
Draper's other books include Tears of a Tiger, Romiette and Julio, Darkness Before Dawn, and Double Dutch.
Genre
Series, Multiple and Unique Issues, African American
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the unique bond between Gerald and Angel.
2) Discuss the reasons why you think Gerald's mother ignored the abuse happening in the family.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 13+
Challenge Issues
Physical abuse, sexual abuse/incest
Challenge defense ideas
-Coretta Scott King Award (1998), ALA Best Book for Young Adults
-Become familiar with the book and its content.
-Refer to the collection development policy of the library, see http://sfpl.org/pdf/about/policies/collection-development-plan.pdf
-Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Forged-Fire-Sharon-M-Draper/dp/0689818513/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292386475&sr=1-1
Why Included in Titles Selected
I read the Bluford High series by last semester and wanted to read something similar.
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