Copper Sun

Overall, Copper Sun by Sharon draper was a well written, descriptive account of what life was like for slaves in the South. Not all cases of slavery were as severe as those depicted in this book, but slavery was cruel and inhumane nonetheless. Copper Sun uses compelling vivid imagery to depict the process of enslavement beginning with the capture scenes in the first few chapters. The description of the events that took place were very descriptive and well written and didn't leave out the harsh reality of what actually happened. One part of the book that really made me think was how Draper involved the reality of the neighboring African tribes capturing and selling their own people into slavery for profit. It is just hard for me grasp the fact that they could do that to their own people. Granted they probably would have been enslaved regardless, the fact that they offered aid in capturing their own kind is somewhat sickening. It reminds me a lot of the Holocaust and how the Jewish people were persecuted by their own people just for their religious affiliation and heritage. With slavery though, there was no persecution due to beliefs or racial indifference. They were captured, sold, and killed for gain, which in most cases ended in enslavement for the parties helping with the deeds themselves. Not only does the persecution aspect of slavery remind me of the Holocaust, but how they were treated by white people as well.

I don't really have any fault with the second half of the book being too unrealistic. This book is intended for adolescents and it needs some form of happiness to keep the readers interested in reading in the future. The first half of the book did a great job with the harsh reality of slavery and the second half did a great job with keeping the readers morale up; making them enjoy the book and not just focusing on the wickedness of slavery. I think Draper ties the two aspects in effectively which makes for a great novel for all ages to enjoy. If you want to read a book that just depicts the barbarity of slavery, then read a biography or a work of non-fiction with just the facts and nothing else. That is not what this book is intended for.

From discussing the book in class, the title of Copper Sun takes on a whole new meaning. I think it was quite a fitting title for the book because there are references to a copper sun throughout the entire piece. From reading the book and through class discussions, I have come to the conclusion that the copper sun throughout the story represents hope, and an over all purity and goodness. It often seems that when Amari notices the copper sun in the story that things are looking up for her and the rest of the characters and when things are not going so well the sun is never mentioned. I think that the copper sun represents the overall morale of the characters at a specific point in the book. When the characters are hopeful, and have something to look forward to the copper sun seems to be noticed.

From looking at Sharon Draper's website, it is apparent she feels very strongly about slavery and wants people to be educated on the subject. She does a great job of educating her readers through Copper Sun, while also giving them something to enjoy. She often references to Teenie and Tidbit and how important it is to pass on stories from the past. This is a way for her to show that heritage is important and to never forget where you came from. If you do, then it will disappear and be forgotten. I like that she places a significance on this because I believe it is very important to always remember your beginnings and heritage. It all makes you who you are and without it you wouldn't be you.

All in all, I was very pleased with Copper Sun. I think it is a great book to inform adolescents on the subject of slavery while also giving them an enjoyable book to read. Any other information that is needed can be researched. I think this book serves its purpose to inform and to also be a great read with a happy ending, which is what we all love.