Module 5: Forged by Fire

Image from: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Forged-By-Fire/Sharon-M-Draper/9780689806995

Summary:

Gerald Nickelby begins to describe his difficult life as a son whose mother is a drug addict, a stepfather that physically abuses him his mother and his younger sister.  His younger sister also goes through sexual abuse by his own father as well while Gerald tries at any cost to defend her.  Gerald finds a new meaning in his life when he meets his sister.  Jordan, his stepfather, is arrested after trying to molest his own daughter and their mother doesn't forgive them for doing that.  Monique, Gerald's mother, always defends Jordan and accepts his actions even though the situation is not so great for the family.  Angel, his sister, is dealing with all this through dancing and the only person she trusts is Gerald.  Throughout the story, Gerald faces more tragedies but tries to live a normal life as much as he can and eventually becomes a very brave and smart young man.

Review:

  Gr 7-10--The riveting first chapter was originally published as a short story in Ebony magazine under the title "One Small Touch."  While the rest of the book does not sustain the mood and pace of the initial chapter, Forged by Fire is a grim look at an inner-city home where abuse and addiction are a way of life and the children are the victims.  There's no all's-well ending, but readers will have hope for Gerald and Angel, who have survived a number of gut-wrenching ordeals by relying on their constant love and caring for one another.

Hurlburt, T.  (1997, March).  Forged by fire.  [Review of the book Forged by fire by S. Draper].  School Library Journal, 43(3), 184.  Retrieved from http://www.schoolibraryjournal.com

Impressions:

 This was a very intense book where children are mistreated by their own family.  I was really hooked by it and left me speechless after I finished reading the book.  I really wanted to know how the outcome of their parents' lives would change when justice comes to them.  The main character in the story was very strong and brave and I believe that the strength came from his sister to protect her.

Suggestions:

Once reading this book, counselors can be invited to talk and discuss the importance of self respect and respect from others.  They may talk about child abuse and neglect and provide key points on how to report it without being afraid.  This is the best time to encourage these discussions so everyone can be aware of children's rights.

Bibliography:

Draper, S.  (1997).  Forged by fire.  New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.