SuitabookForged by fire
Sharon M. Draper
- Reading
- If reading together, agree on a pause point and check in after difficult scenes. Let the young reader choose whether to discuss them immediately or return to them later.
- Themes
- Abuse and protection: Gerald tries to protect Angel from their abusive stepfather; supportive adults also help provide care and safety. The book presents competing or mixed signals about this.
- Grief and resilience: Gerald experiences grief after losing people close to him, while continuing to navigate family turmoil. The book presents this favourably.
- Worth knowing
- Be prepared for depictions of physical and emotional abuse, including sexual abuse, as well as grief after the deaths of people close to Gerald. These events may feel intense or upsetting.