Unfortunately, Draper's strengths (her desire to delve into tough social issues, such as child abuse, drug addiction, incest, bulimia, and domestic violence) become this book's weakness as the story line teeters on implausible. For example, in less than 20 pages Gerald faces the following: the death of a close friend (a passenger in a car that was driven by a drunk teammate); the discovery of his drunk, evil stepfather trying to sexually assault his younger stepsister; a brutal attack by his stepfather; and a raging apartment fire that threatens to kill them all. Nonetheless, Draper creates believable and important heroes for teenage boys--those who are forged from adversity, only to burn more brightly and courageous. (Ages 12 and older) --Gail Hudson

Product Description
Will Gerald find the courage to stand up to his stepfather?

When his loving aunt dies, Gerald suddenly is thrust into a new home filled with anger and abuse. A brutal stepfather with a flaming temper and an evil secret makes Gerald miserable, and the only light in his grim life is Angel, his young stepsister. Gerald and Angel grow close as he strives to protect her from Jordan, his abusive stepfather, and from their substance-addicted mother. But Gerald learns, painfully, that his post can't be extinguished, and that he must be strong enough to face Jordan in a final confrontation, once and for all....

I will say that I would promote the book for classroom use for probably 6-9th graders. The book deals with very strong issues plauging the present time in a clear, contemporary style. The book is very fast paced.. (lightning fast, actually) which I think kids will like better than reading a full novel (I would) and with this fast-paced movement, it does get a tad confusing at times while dealing with multiple conflicts.

The main problem is that there are so many problems that are thrown out to the main character Gerald, (Who the book deals with through age 3-17) that not not one is comnpletely resolved before another occurs. (I still have a few questions myself after reading) The characters are very believeable but the problems that happen and mostly when they do happen are the things that bring the book down. I would recommend the book to any teen wishing for some good, heartfelt, fast paced reading.

I've seen a review that says the book deals with bulimia along with other issues... actually, it does not. It states that the character Angel throws up a lot but, that's mostly because she's so nervous around her father.

Oh, and if the Author is out there... Hear me out... Ever since reading the end, I would like to see a sequel. I don't know about the rest of you but, I'd pick it up. (No, I haven't had a chance to read "Tears of a Tiger" yet, but I will be soon.)

Thanks for hearing me out.


My Opinion on Forged by Fire   February 8, 2000
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I enjoyed reading the book Forged by Fire. It was very exciting and told alot about Gerald's life.I liked all the characters in the book, but I liked Aunt Queen the best because she was a kind and loving person. She had a special place in her heart for everyone. It really told about what alot of abused children have to go through. I really felt sorry for Angel and Gerald. It was a very well written book and I wouldn't mind reading it again. The one thing I didn't like is that it repeated some of the things in Tears of a Tiger and didn't tell about Andy killing himself as it did in Tears of a Tiger.They are both very good books and I wouldn't mind reading more of Sharon Drapers books.


Really interesting book!   August 6, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book is about Gerald, at 3 yrs old, was abused himself by his mother. His mother will hit him and leave him in his diapers all day if he poops in them, to teach him a lesson. His mother was on drugs and often left him in the apartment alone. Well, one day, his mother left to buy some drugs from Leroy, some man that smell sweet. And Gerald decide to play with his GI Joe and a lighter. Suddenly, the apartment is on fire. He goes and hide behind the couch. The neighbor decide to check up on him, if it wasn't for the neighbor, Gerald would of die from smoke inhallation.

His mother goes to prison for child endangerment. And also she goes to drug rehab. Aunt Queen comes to the rescue and Gerald went to live with her for six years. Then his world comes crashing down on his ninth birthday. Aunt Queen dies and he have go to live with his mother. His mother is married to Jordan, who claim to be Angel's father, but isn't. Jordan is violent and will hit Gerald, his mother, and his sister, Angel, whenever he gets drunk. Also, Jordan will sexually molest Angel, which disgusts me. When Gerald went to move in with his mother, he couldn't bring himself to call her mama anymore, so he call her by her first name, Monique.

Well, from the day Gerald moves in, he vows to protect his sister. His sister like to dance like any typical 7-yr-old. Well, Gerald turns in Jordan for sexually abuse, and he finally gets out of prison when Gerald is 17 and Angel is 13. Ok, when Gerald is 17, his best friend, Robert Washington, dies in a car crash because Andy was driving drunk and crash into a wall.

This, indeed, is a real sad book that I read and I couldn't put it down. I have to order "Tears of a Tiger" and "Dawn by Darkness" one of these days. I read this book back when I was in the 10th grade. This book will made you angry against abuse of kids, and make you want to do something..


"Forged By Fire"   October 13, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Gerald was fasinated by fire when he was little. Because of his addiction to fire tragdey strikes. While his substance-addicted mother left to see "Mr. Leroy" Gerald is left alone in his small apartment. Since Gerald is only three he starts playing with the lighter. The apartment is set burning and Gerald is saved by a teenage boy from the next door. Gerald's mother is sent to jail and Gerald's aunt Queen takes custody of him. Aunt Queen dies and Gerald is forced to live with his mother,(whom just got out of jail), brutel step-father Jordan Sparks and his new sister Angel. Angel gets abused and touched by her father and Gerald's step-father, Jordan Sparks. Gerald is determined to stop this nonsense. He goes to a father on his basketball team for help. They go to court and Jordan is sentenced to jail time. Once Jordan gets out Gerald is afraid to let his little sister, the light of his life, in Jordan's hands. Has Jordan really changed? Read "Forged By Fire" By: Sharon Draper to find out.