Copper Sun

By: Sharon M. Draper

Narrated by: Myra Lucretia Taylor

Fifteen-year-old Amari witnesses the murder of her family and the destruction of her remote African village. She endures countless humiliations as she is beaten, branded, and forced to board a slave ship. The atrocities continue as she struggles through endless days of backbreaking work and daily degradation on a plantation.

Somehow, through it all, Amari's hopes and dreams survive, because there are moments of kindness from an indentured white girl, Polly, and the gentle wife of the plantation owner. Amari and Polly find that by working together, freedom could be possible.

In this well-researched novel, award-winning author and educator Sharon M. Draper successfully embarks upon historical fiction to explore plantation life.

©2006 Sharon M. Draper (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Draper builds the explosive tension to the last chapter, and the sheer power of the story, balanced between the overwhelmingly brutal facts of slavery and Amari's ferocious survivor's spirit, will leave [listeners] breathless, even as they consider the story's larger questions about the infinite costs of slavery and how to reconcile history." (Booklist)

Good book.

This was my son's summer reading project. I hate slave books. Although I purchased the book for him, I also let him listen to it because I felt for him. Although we both found the action disturbing, my son came to me on several occasions to discuss this book. He also read along on some parts! It was interesting and the narrator did a great job. The only reason I didn't give it five is because it started off too slow. In the beginning I was ready to turn it off. So bear with her.

What a good story!

What did you love best about Copper Sun?

I am so glad I took the time to listen to this book; if I had to read it I don't think I would have gotten through the story; but to have someone read the story to me was Wonderful! I would recommend it to others!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Copper Sun?

I when Armi was able to reach the free land!

Have you listened to any of Myra Lucretia Taylor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first time listening to Myra and I would listen to her again

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When her parents was killed and how the Whites came to the village and ate their food then took their lives; so very sad.

A tale of triumph and the horror of slavery

A beautiful young girl living with her people in west Africa is kidnapped, put into chains, abused severely, and put aboard a slave ship bound for America.

This is the story of her capture, abuse, and eventual escape to blessed freedom, not by going North, but by going South to the protection of the Spanish whose king abolished slavery.

Amazing story and narrative performance

This was such a heartbreakingly beautiful story! I would love a sequel to learn more about the fall out in Charles Town after the kid’s escaped. I know that these fictional characters will live with me for quite awhile, and I long to see their new lives. The narrator, Myra Lucretia Taylor is so amazing, I found this novel by searching for Ms. Taylor’s project. She makes all things wonderful, and brings life to these stories.

👏book👏review

I thoroughly enjoyed Copper Sun. The strongest was good, and the words were read clearly.

Excellent

This book is so good. I have listened to this book a couple of times. This is so worth the credit. The author is excellent. The book keeps you intrigued from the beginning to the end. The end of the book was excellent.

The books ability to draw you in and make you feel the emotional roller coaster the characters are going through.

I loved drapers use of hard topics. Some may say that the topics of rape, beating, and emotional abuse are to vivid and should be left in the past but I believe the makes you fill shoes you would have never filled before.

Heartbreaking..and should be required reading

The narrator in this one was fantastic! Her accents and voice inflections made the story come alive the way few narrators can. The story was painful to read because of it's relevance to our history and the horrible realization that these events happened. This one should be on every high school reading list.

A great story for all to read

Would you listen to Copper Sun again? Why?

I listened to this book because my daughter had it over the summer as a reading assignment. I was in awe of the story and how real it felt, I could visualize it all as if I was there. It kept my interest from beginning to end and opened up alot of dialogue with me and my daughter about slavery. I would recommend anyone to listen to this book. Well done Sharon Draper and Myra Taylor did an awesome job narrating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Amari was my favorite character. She endured so much and you learn through her how to persevere and stay strong.

Which character – as performed by Myra Lucretia Taylor – was your favorite?

Teenie was my favorite.

Who was the most memorable character of Copper Sun and why?

Amari was the most memorable character. For a young girl to see her family killed, endure the struggles that she encountered. You learn the true meaning of strength through this young girl.

weak unrealistic slave story

it's a slavery story with a white hero. it inadvertently disguises the realities of slavery. dor an adult who knows more about slaver it can come off as condescending and disrespectful to the true plight of slaves. but since it was intended for children it's a nice way to intro the topic. I think in 2019 these type of "white savoir" ways of telling the most shameful sin of American history is more harmful than not. its basically a perpetuation of the white savior method of propaganda and it it can be deceptive. enjoy.