Forged by Fire

Hazelwood High #2

by Sharon M. Draper

When Gerald was a child he was fascinated by fire. But fire is dangerous and powerful, and tragedy strikes. His substance-addicted mother is taken from him. Then he loses the loving generosity of a favorite aunt. A brutal stepfather with a flaming temper and an evil secret makes his life miserable. The one bright light in Gerald's life is his little half sister, Angel, whom he struggles to protect from her father, Jordan Sparks, who abuses her, and from their mother, whose irresponsible behavior forces Gerald to work hard to keep the family together. As a teenager, Gerald finds success as a member of the Hazelwood Tigers basketball team, while Angel develops her talents as a dancer. Trouble still haunts them, however, and Gerald learns, painfully, that young friends can die and old enemies must be faced. In the end he must stand up to his stepfather alone in a blazing confrontation.

Sharon M. Draper has interwoven characters and events from her previous novel, Tears of a Tiger, in this unflinchingly realistic portrayal of poverty and child abuse. It is an inspiring story of a young man who rises above the tragic circumstances of his life by drawing on the love and strength of family and friends.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, African American, School, Teen, Abuse

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award, and is a New York Times bestselling author. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Reviews

[Jessica Vilaysouk]

Were you born with a reckless mother? Have you ever had an abusive stepfather? Some people grow up having a hard life, dealing with drama, and fighting through struggles. That's the problem that Gerald has to deal with in the book Forged By Fire.

Gerald is a kid with a troubled past and a troubled future. With all his struggles and losses he still survives. As a young boy his mother leaves him alone; he starts a fire and almost dies. His mother is immediately arrested for child abandonment and sent to prison. Gerald's Aunt Queen takes him in and raises him by herself. He quickly adapts to her lifestyle. Then tragedy strikes! Sadly his loving aunt dies. What’s going to happen now?

This book is very interesting and you can't wait what happens next. It’s kind of addicting because once you read it, you wouldn’t want to stop. This book is filled with upcoming surprises. When you get deep into this book you will be caught up in some excruciating events. For example, when Jordan and Angel are home alone or another suspenseful moment is when Gerald has a final confrontation against Jordan. Tension, tragedy, and drama rises in every moment.

Well I recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in an entertaining book like this. This book is neither comedy nor horror but it’s dramatic, emotional, and action/violent. You may think it’s rewarding with craziness but it’s worth reading it. Even if you don’t relate to this book, I still recommend you to try it out!

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this book is about a young boy who is only 3 and has been neglicted by his mother... and one day when she leaves him alone he starts a fire while playing with his G.I joe toy. When he is released from the hospital he goes to live with his auntie... On his nineth birthday his mother came back into his life and the same day... his aunt passed away! He was forced to move with his mother and step-father. His step father beat on both him and little sister- Then he found out that his step father had been molesting his seven year old sister! When he told the police he was arrested and sentenced to 7 years! Gearld and his sister Angel thought that they'd never have to see him agian but he did come back into their lives! At the end of the story Gearld found his step father (drunk)in his room with his little sister unconcious on the bed and the house on fire. He faught his step father and his stepfather left them in the apartment to die. But Gearld got them out of the house alive and their step father didn't make it out alive!!


This book was really good! I usally finish a book in a week or so but i finished this book in one day!

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alana:
I would have to say that this book is fantastic! It jus became my favorite story. The way the author created the situations are so much like real life and that's what made me like it so much. I thought it was going to be just like any other book, but guess what? I was wrong! It exceeded my expectations. It is about a boy named Gerald that is faced with child abuse and a drugged mom. He was very brave and this story had a very suspenseful ending. My favorite part was when I found out what was happening with Gerald's sister, Angel. I decided to read this book because it had to do with child abuse. I like reading about things like that, and I'm glad I did!

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me, but great for kids who want a sympathetic hero who goes through every possible trauma and drama. Every chapter contains another catastrophe. 75% of the kids I talk to love this author, so she is clearly hitting a nerve.

[Sylwia · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 43/142. This is just here to hurt me and I don’t feel like being hurt today.

[nanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

“how do the stars still shine?”

ugh what a sickeningly sad book search up tw

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. At first, I thought it would be some book about kids trying to survive high school. But when you read the back it grabs your attention right away. It starts off saying how Gerald's aunt has died, then continues to go on to the fact that he is going to have to live with his abusive step-father, (Jordan) and substance abusive mother, (Monique), and lovely younger stepsister, Angel. The book was so good that I sat down and finished the whole book in one day. Also, some parts will leave you shook, especially the part where it is revealed that Jordan is molesting Angel, or when Monique gets slapped across the face by Jordan. But that is enough spoilers, read the book and find out more. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good suspense book and likes good action scenes in a book.

[sev soreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so, I read this back in middle school (I think) and let me tell you. I WAS NOT READY.

We didn't have any warnings when jumping into this book. Unfortunately, this actually caused some problems in our school which I'll talk about here because I think it's important.

This book deals with a lot of emotional and physical abuse. It's the kind of abuse that is actually too realistic and caused a lot of triggers in my other classmates. Although it is an outstanding book, please be warned if abuse is a problem that you face or have faced.

I haven't read this is a very long time so I'll definitely be picking it up soon for a reread.

[Michelle Addae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unique and beautiful, although some parts made me sad. It was about how a boy Gerald as he was younger, his mother didn't do a good job at all taking care of him. His mother named Monquie would leave him at home all by himself, either going out for drugs, etc. She would also hit him for absolutely no reason, and most of the time it was mainly because of the drugs she was engaging in. This made Gerald to being in a horrible place, and he felt miserable. But one night when his mother decided to go out to go get more drugs, he was playing, and as he was playing, he encountered a lighter. And because of his curiosity, the apartment then caught on fire, with him still in the house, etc. Luckily he was ok, and was in the hospital, with help and care from the doctors. However, his mother had to be in custody for her actions, and his Aunt had to take care of him from now on. Gerald and his Aunt had a wonderful relationship, and Gerald was finally getting happiness in his life. His Aunt gave him a bicycle for his birthday and treated him right with respect and care. But everything then turned into a disaster for him, when he found out his mother was coming back to visit him. And keep in mind he had heard this on his birthday. So, the next day after his birthday she and other people decided to come to visit him. Yes, it is indeed to say how outrageous and furious Gerald was, but what he expected was far worse. Turns out when his mother was in jail she was pregnant with his sister named, Angel. And now he had a stepfather and a sister that was a part of his family. Which had shocked me, to be honest. But after his mother had announced this she also stated, she wanted him to live with him, which of course he had said no to, because who wouldn't? Monique and his stepfather named Jordan decided to head out, and this was when he and his sister, Angel decided to meet and get to know each other. He and his sister had a really strong relationship and tended to care for each other. But as they were getting along, his Aunt died due to a heart attack, but to tell you she also had other health problems and was in a wheelchair. Gerald was in complete shock and was in disbelief, and knew he would have to stay with his mother and stepfather. As he was living with them, he found out that Monique was getting a little better, but his stepfather drank a lot and was also abusive towards them, etc. But you may think this was the worst part, but apart from those he also sexually assaulted Angel/Molested her. I was so mad when I found out, but towards the end. Jordan had died because as he was molesting Angel he didn't know that there was a fire going on in their apartment. So when Gerald came in after his basketball practice or game, he found out about it and rescued Angel although Jordan was abusive and tried to kill him. But when Jordan tried to get out he ended up dying because of the amount of smoke, that went into his lungs, etc. I'm really glad that Monquie, Gerald, and Angel now got to live with peace, and Angel finally was able to dance, since she was in a dancing program with no more fear, etc. But also Gerald is able to not worry too much about his sister now because she will be safe again. This author is an amazing author, and she makes a lot of series with (Hazelwood High), etc. I have read 1 of her books, which made me cry, and I'm willing to read more. I would 100% recommend this book to people who like books that relate to real life, or that just require empathy. And because of this, I've rated this book a 5 or higher.

[Shukri Sadik · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book "Forged By Fire" is about a kid named Gerald who lived with his mom (Monique) when he was three. Overall his mom treated him ok till she left him alone, with a lighter. Being a three year old kid he thought it was fun then it caught the house on fire and the police came and arrested his mom. So his aunt queen took him in and they lived happily for six years until his mom came back with a husband (Jordan)and a new daughter (Angel) and they wanted Gerald to live with them. His aunt died by a heart attack and he had no choice so he lived in their apartment. everything was good except one thing Jordan. He would hit them all and secretly go into Angels room and molest her. Gerald got him arrested for six years and it was the greatest years of their life. until he came back and they lived together happily til one night Jordan came home drunk and went after Angel. She was cooking hot dogs and they caught on fire Jordan was raping her. Gerald came in and they fought and Jordan fell out the house and he died. Gerald and Angel were trapped till their mom found them and came with help and they were saved
I think the authors trying to reach out to all child abuse victims in the world. Showing them that there is a way out and to not be afraid to take it. If someone is hurting your children find any way to help them out because they need as much support as you can give.the author wants them to know about how to deal with their abuse problems.
The theme of the book is that life is tough and some people have to go through it. But it always gets better in the future, you just have to live with it. I think it is because Gerald had he hardest life, losing loved ones, and dealing with abusive parents who don't care about their children. He dealt with all that and got through it, it was hard but it worked out in the end.

[Cory Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to all ages. Because this book
shows how some people lives are bad and they get abused from family and
they need help. And its shows to the people that are getting abused
that there are people out there.


This book is about a young Child Named Gerald who is only three years old, and gets abused by his mother. Gerald always remember his mother being a pretty woman who did drugs and wore a lot of dresses. Gerald almost dies in a fire. His mother goes to jail and Gerald gets to live with his aunt queen. Aunt queen is a very nice old lady but their is one problem with her she is handicap and has to use a wheel chair.


On Gerald's ninth birthday He's mother returns with her new husband Jordan Sparks which is a big native american who wears cowboy boots and smokes. And Gerald's sister that Gerald knew nothing about his sister name is Angel. Angel is pretty skinny and beautiful and loves to dance also very fragile. And His mom looks the same. Gerald's mother Monique wants to take back Gerald. Gerald doesn't want to leave so he runs outside and rides his new bike. His mother leaves with her husband and leaves angel behind. Gerald comes back and meets angel. Gerald's aunt keeps think about Gerald and Angel to find a way to keep them. Gerald's
Aunt queen has a heart attack and dies.


Monique takes Gerald in and founds out his step father is raping her and beating her up. Gerald try's his best to protect her. His step father goes to jail for rape because of Gerald telling someone. The person Gerald told was his best friend dad. His best friend dies in drunken car accident. Gerald step father comes back And fights with Gerald when the house is on fire. Because of his sister angel. Angel hot dogs caught on fire. and Gerald step father Jordan dies and that is how the book ends

[Mariem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me pretty hard emotionally because their is just so much tragedy and fear. But they gain happiness it gets taken away, Gerald the protagonist had a horrible mom who left him alone at only 3 years old and burned his hand when he played with her lighter. Then he was left alone in the house with the match he played with his toys and a fire started. His aunt then took custody over him for 6 years. Then on his ninth birthday, his mother reappeared in his life and she had a husband and a whole daughter. Then that very day his Aunt Queen past away. Then he had to live with his mother. There is a lot more to the story but as you can see tragedy comes back and forth through their lives. Here is a piece of text from the book that is really inspiring, "With flames and fear behind them, Gerald and Angel rode to the music if the sirens which had decorated their past and would forge their Future." I think that this quote really shows that fear is fear and only it can get over its self. I think that the audience for this book would be mature middle schoolers considering that there is abuse involved. But overall this is an amazing book I really truly recommend it for people who enjoy realistic fiction.

[Ducksauce JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life with Monique and Jordan was so different from the relaxed, loving atmosphere of Aunt Queen's house"

Sharon M. Draper goes deep into a story about a child who grew up in a bad place and had to overcome many adversities to ensure the well being of himself and his sister. Gerald the main character was living with his mom who was a drug addict and left him home alone one day. Gerald so intrigued by the flame of a lighter accidentally sets the house on fire but luckily before Gerald would have been burned to ashes one of the neighbors come in and save him. Then on Gerald is forced to live with his aunt and his mom is put in jail. It takes him awhile to get over his mom but once he does he decides that he doesn't want to think about her because he likes his life with his aunt so much better. Years later his mom gets out of jail and comes to visit Gerald, at first Gerald does not want to accept that his mom is back but the event of his aunt dying forces him to live with her and his sister and his moms husband Jordan. Gerald has to deal with Jordan and protect himself and his sister because Jordan would abuse them so Gerald steps up and faces Jordan like a man

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book is about a boy named Gerald and his life story. When he was two years old his mom who was a Drug addict left him in the house alone. He had just got a new toy and he found a lighter. He started to pretend it was a light and started to “explore” the house and the lighter got to close to the curtain and a fire busted out. The neighbor came into the house just on time to save Gerald. His mom went to prison and he went to go live with his aunt. Everything was better with his aunt but on his 10 birthday his mom came to see him and wanted him to go live with her. His aunt died and he had to go live with her.
I like how the author wrote this book because there is many cases like this in real life. The author had thought this through because he puts everything in order. Also puts unexpected things that also happen in real life for example they aunt dying. This book is very interesting its like hearing someone's real story.

[Mely · Rating 5 out of 5]

i picked this book up because it looked intresting .

I thought the book was really good because it just cought my attention alot and it was intertaining. it was sad and shooking , it was very easy to read and definetly a page turner !

forged by fire , begins witha little boy whos mom is on drugs and she then gets arrested for leaving her child home alone , then his aunt queen gets custedy of him for sum years until his mom gets out of jail . and he finds out he has a sister and a step dad he first seem really nice but he turns out to be a child molestor and very rude and mean person. Then he goes to jail and mom got into an accident and when she comes out jordan the step father is out of jail and she thinks his changed but she wasm rong ....

this book is very realistic like it could happend to someone .

this book can make other people relate to their lifes or problems .

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second in the Hazelwood High trilogy.

Gerald's story is like a bad soap opera: We frist meet Gerald, a battered and neglected child, when he is severely burned in a fire after being left home alone by his addict mother, Monique. He finds a safe and loving home with his Aunt Queen. When he is nine, his mother and her abusive new husband take him back into their home. The only bright spot for Gerald is Angel, his four-year-old half sister. Gerald finds out that Angel is being sexually abused by her father. Monique is unwilling or unable to protect her children and Gerald resolves to protect Angel and himself.

Draper tries to cram a bit too much drama into this slim volume. Poor Gerald; it's one tragedy after another for him.

[Dene' Barthell · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is non-fiction. the book contains many internal conflicts. this books lexile score is a 780.

Book Review: this book is about a boy who's mother is a drug-addict and one day she leaves him at home by himself.
This is a really intriguing and interesting book.

Plot Summary: During the course of the day he puts the house on fire. later on in he book geralds aunt comes and takes custody of him, but then she dies. gerald has to go live back with his mother who is msrried and has another child. he really loves his little sister and does everything in his will to protect her. he then finds out that his step-dad abuses Angel sexually. he starts to protect her even more. in the end of the book geralds stepfather dies in a fire of their house.

[Xhavier Boykins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a phenomanal book, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Not to make the book better than it is but I was gasping every five minutes. Gerald is such a great kid and what he is put through in the book could really scare a reader. They briefly talk about Andy's death (GOD REST HIS SOUL) and Robs death. Gerald's life is just totally messed up he has a horrible father, addicted mother, and still dealing with the death of two of his best friends. The plot doesn't get better than that. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoyed the tears of a tiger book. Also people who like drama.

[Zakeema Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged By Fire Is such And Inspiring Book. It Gives You A Sense of How Life Feels Depending On How A Household Is Or Issues In A Teenage's Life Female And Male Point Of View. This Book Touch Me In Ways I Felt As Though I Have Been Through The Same Situations The Book Details In. I Would Recomend This Book To Anyone Who Ask's Me About A Good Book To Read. I Actually Cried During Some Chapters. I Normally Don't Like To Read and Usually Would Give Up On A Book After An Hour or two, But This Book Was The Most Amazing, its Really Related To A Black African American Middle Class Society Household On Certain Accounts.

[Ricardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book. Its about a kid named Gerald who grew up with a tough life with a mother that was a drug addict. He then had to leave his mother to live with hes grandmother. Then one day his mother came to visit Gerald on his Birthday, she brought Gerald a surprise it was his sister that he never knew he had. Gerald loved his sister by first look. Gerald's Grandmother then passed away, so he had to live with his mother and a abusive dad. Which made things hard and stressful for Gerald again.

[Meaghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This. Book. Sucked. The characters were cardboard, the plot was contrived, too much time was covered in too short a space, and everything was told rather than shown. It was like Sharon Draper was trying to cram as many issues as possible into the story and they all ended up spilling out, leaving an empty shell. There are so many other, great books out there that deal with the same themes -- please look elsewhere!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really showed how tough kids can be. Not only was his life hard and faced him with trials and temptations but he moved passed them At such a young age. He is truly an inspiration and this is a book everyone should read. This book puts you in the room with him through the fire, through the hospital and through all his beatings. My heart went out to him and his situation.

[Melissa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book was really good but if molestation bugs you I wouldn't recommend you to read it. When the little girl was molested by her father he was sent to jail, soon to be let out of jail. But when he was let out mama didn't believe her kids so she let him back into their lives so the abusing continued. But in the end of the book mama finally realizes that family deserves better.

[Dario Arganese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. This had to be the best book we have ever read in any English or literature class. I am hoping we read more of these types of books in school and I am planning on reading all of the books in the Hazelwood Series

[Cindy Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book that's why I give it 5 stars! Another reason I give it 5 stars is because it talked about a kid who's parents didn't care about him or his younger sister. This book is really sad.

[Lisa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another powerfully written story by Sharon M Draper. A mix of highly likable, resilient African American characters you ache and cheer for, foiled by a few disturbed and struggling individuals. Like how Draper shows the ways we can build communities of support.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is astounding. I’ve read it abt 13 times in counting. Every time i read it, it makes me feel so many emotions. I will always love it, and it will always be my number 1 recommendation to people.

[Gianina Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

i looooooooooooooooooooooove this book! you get so into the characters.

[Amanda Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK. I cant say enough about it. It is amazing and everyone should read it! I LOVE the characters. I was really able to relate to them. LOVE THE BOOK! I give it an A+!!

[Marquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerald is a nice young boy has been through tough times .When his grandmother dies his whole life changes. Read it