A Book by an African American Author, Sharon Draper

Review of The Battle of Jericho

A Young Adult Book by an African American Author

A. Book Information

Draper, Sharon. 2003. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-84232-5.

B. Plot Summary

Looking for acceptance and popularity, Jericho and other friends become pledges joining the Warriors of Distinction, the most exclusive club in school with a rich and respected fifty-year history in the community, the principal of the high school was a member himself. At the first meeting the pledge master, Madison declares, “We ask for—no, we demand—your dedication, your absolute obedience, your very life, if necessary…” The pledges were in it for the parties, but none of them could have guessed that the fun and games would turn out to be life or death.

C. Critical Analysis

This book won the Coretta Scott King award. It is a fast-paced book with likeable characters, but the book offers an overabundance of foreshadowing and dulls with predictability. Like on page 27 when the principal speaks of the club, “It wasn’t easy, and I had to learn to make difficult decisions.” Or when Pledge Master Madison demands….” your dedication, your absolute obedience, your very life, if necessary.” Or as the wheelchair bound character, Eric tells about the peer-pressured leap that broke his back and took his mobility. Then Mr. Boston, a concerned teacher warns the main character, Jericho about hazing and recounts a story of being hazed on the football team. It wasn’t simply enough to include these blazing orange flags, but the author used commas and hyphens, indicating pregnant pauses.

The language in this book represents a middle to upper-middle class group of African Americans who use urban black vernacular sparingly. Some cultural markers are seen as the boys sometimes address each other with, “Wassuup.” But the characters could have just as easily been from any other background.

There is not much in this book that distinguishes the characters as African American, the focus is more on the characters’ development and the action of the story. The aforementioned club even, “accepts all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.”

Despite the predictability of this book, it has a good message for young people who often find themselves in situations that may have serious repercussions as they try to find “their place.”

D. Review Excerpts

From School Library Journal

In an intense climax, pledging goes tragically wrong and the repercussions are felt throughout the community. Draper has captured the essence of teens caught up in peer pressure who must ultimately live with the results of their actions. Her characters are deeply human and the strong plot mirrors the difficult choices that young people must make as they try to reconcile their need for acceptance with their inner values. Mostly, though, this title is a compelling read that drives home important lessons about making choices.
Janet Hilbun, formerly at Sam Houston Middle School, Garland, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Jericho-Coretta-Scott-Author/dp/0689842325

E. Connections

Other books for young people written by Sharon Draper.

· COPPER SUN. ISBN 0689821816

· ROMIETTE AND JULIO. ISBN 0689842090

· DOUBLE DUTCH. ISBN 0689842317

· TEARS OF A TIGER. ISBN 0689806981