Copper Sun

By: Sharon M. Draper

Narrated by: Myra Lucretia Taylor

In this “searing work of historical fiction” (Booklist), Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Sharon M. Draper tells the epic story of a young girl torn from her African village, sold into slavery, and stripped of everything she has ever known—except hope.

Amari's life was once perfect. Engaged to the handsomest man in her tribe, adored by her family, and fortunate enough to live in a beautiful village, it never occurred to her that it could all be taken away in an instant. But that was what happened when her village was invaded by slave traders. Her family was brutally murdered as she was dragged away to a slave ship and sent to be sold in the Carolinas. There she was bought by a plantation owner and given to his son as a "birthday present".

Now, survival is all Amari can dream about. As she struggles to hold on to her memories, she also begins to learn English and make friends with a white indentured servant named Molly. When an opportunity to escape presents itself, Amari and Molly seize it, fleeing South to the Spanish colony in Florida at Fort Mose. Along the way, their strength is tested like never before as they struggle against hunger, cold, wild animals, hurricanes, and people eager to turn them in for reward money. The hope of a new life is all that keeps them going, but Florida feels so far away and sometimes Amari wonders how far hopes and dreams can really take her.

"Action-packed, multifaceted, character-rich."—SLJ, starred review

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021) • School Library Journal Best Books of the Year • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book • ALA Best Books for Young Adults Nominee • Coretta Scott King Award (ALA) • ILA Notable Books for a Global Society • ALA Margaret A. Edwards Award • Multiple State Awards

©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.