Suitabook

The Battle of Jericho

Sharon M. Draper

Reading: Consider reading alongside the young person rather than presenting the initiation as an isolated shock. Pause after major escalation to discuss choice and responsibility; leave time afterwards to talk about the tragedy and any lingering feelings.
Themes: Belonging versus judgement: Jericho wants membership in an elite school group and continues through initiation despite becoming uncomfortable. The narrative presents going along with pressure and making bad decisions as leading towards serious consequences.
Hazing and secrecy: The pledges undergo humiliating and increasingly dangerous activities under the authority of older members. The escalating initiation and final tragedy frame hazing as dangerous rather than harmless tradition.
Gender and unequal treatment: The first or sole female pledge is treated differently, and the group’s initiation creates questions about when she is being pushed too far. The book takes a critical view of this.
Worth knowing: Content needing attention includes underage drinking, sexual innuendo and harassment, a girl removing her shirt, degrading initiation demands, paddling, deliberate burning, a gun being waved and pointed, and a tragedy near the end.