CITATION: Draper, S.M. (1998). Forged by fire. New York: Aladdin Books.IDENTIFYING #: ISBN 0689818513
CLASSIFICATION: FICTION
GENRE: REALISTIC FICTION
CALL #: FIC DRAPER
RECOMMENDED AGE/INTEREST LEVEL: YOUNG ADULT
RATING: 4.5
Annotation: Gerald tries to protect his sister from their abusive stepfather.
Summary: This is a powerfully written book with an uplifting message for young people about overcoming adversity in their lives. When he was 3 years old, Gerald lit his house on fire while his drug-addicted mother left him home alone. After that, he was sent to live with his loving aunt until his mother, her husband, and a sister reappeared into his life. Gerald's stepfather abuses his sister, and he tries to protect her, getting strength from a friend's father, who helps him overcome the problems at home. This is a story about survival, and standing up for the people you love.
Notes: This book details sexual and physical abuse of children, that some people will find too disturbing to read. If you like books like A Child Called It, though, this book is a quick read with an important message. In the back of the book, numbers for the National Child Abuse Hotline and the Domestic Violence Hotline are included along with a number of discussion topics.
