Darkness Before Dawn

Sharon M. Draper
37 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2001

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Book Brief

Sharon M. Draper

Darkness Before Dawn

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Romance

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Cincinnati, Ohio • 2000s

Theme
Friendship

•

Coming of Age
Topic
Trauma & Abuse

•

Education
First Publication Year

2001

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper follows high school senior Keisha Montgomery as she navigates the aftermath of her boyfriend's suicide and faces new challenges, including threat from a manipulative student-teacher, while drawing on her friendships and family support to cope and grow. The book addresses themes such as loss, trauma, and recovery for teenagers. This novel contains the sensitive topic of date rape.

Emotional

Dark

Inspirational

Unnerving

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

6,153 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper receives a mix of praise and criticism. Readers commend its realistic portrayal of complex teen issues and strong character development. However, some feel the plot is predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's seen as a compelling yet sometimes challenging read that effectively addresses serious themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Darkness Before Dawn?

Fans of contemporary young adult fiction tackling real-life issues will appreciate Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper. Similar to novels like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, it engages readers with its intense, emotive exploration of identity, trauma, and resilience.

4.3

6,153 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

An 18-year-old high school student from Hazelwood High in Cincinnati who is determined to become a doctor, grappling with personal loss while navigating her transition from adolescence to adulthood. She is admired for her intelligence and popular presence at school.

A 23-year-old athletic coach and son of the principal at Hazelwood High, who is known for his charm and worldly experiences, engaging Keisha with his conversations about philosophy and art. Despite his appealing facade, his true intentions are more complex.

A senior at Hazelwood High known for his humor and light-hearted antics, who harbors a longstanding affection for Keisha. He demonstrates friendship and support through both his actions and deeper personality.

A resilient woman living on the streets of Cincinnati who possesses a strong sense of freedom and self-sufficiency, offering practical wisdom and assistance to those around her. She interacts with Keisha under unexpected circumstances.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Romance

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Cincinnati, Ohio • 2000s

Theme
Friendship

•

Coming of Age
Topic
Trauma & Abuse

•

Education
First Publication Year

2001

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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