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Jericho #2
November Blues
In this second novel in Sharon M. Draper’s Jericho Trilogy and Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Jericho and November are locked together in pain from the past and fear for the future, and it feels as though there’s no way to escape either.
When November Nelson loses her boyfriend, Josh, to a pledge stunt gone horribly wrong, she thinks her life can’t possibly get any worse. But Josh left something behind that will change November’s life forever. She’s pregnant and now she’s faced with the biggest decision of her life. How in the world will she tell her mom? And how will Josh’s parents take the news? She’s never needed a friend more.
Jericho Prescott lost his best friend when he lost his cousin, Josh, and the pain is almost more than he can bear. His world becomes divided into “before” and “after” Josh’s death. He finds the only way he can escape the emptiness he feels is to quit doing the things that made him happy when his cousin was alive, such as playing his beloved trumpet. At the same time, he begins playing football, where he hopes the physical pain will suppress the emotional agony. But will hiding behind shoulder pads really help? And will his gridiron obsession prevent him from being there for his cousin’s girlfriend when she needs him most?
When November Nelson loses her boyfriend, Josh, to a pledge stunt gone horribly wrong, she thinks her life can’t possibly get any worse. But Josh left something behind that will change November’s life forever. She’s pregnant and now she’s faced with the biggest decision of her life. How in the world will she tell her mom? And how will Josh’s parents take the news? She’s never needed a friend more.
Jericho Prescott lost his best friend when he lost his cousin, Josh, and the pain is almost more than he can bear. His world becomes divided into “before” and “after” Josh’s death. He finds the only way he can escape the emptiness he feels is to quit doing the things that made him happy when his cousin was alive, such as playing his beloved trumpet. At the same time, he begins playing football, where he hopes the physical pain will suppress the emotional agony. But will hiding behind shoulder pads really help? And will his gridiron obsession prevent him from being there for his cousin’s girlfriend when she needs him most?
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 23, 2007
241 people are currently reading
2687 people want to read
About the author
Sharon M. Draper
51 books3,866 followersSharon 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 559 reviews
October 13, 2009
When a young 16-year old girl becomes pregnant her world and life are forced to change. November Blues is the compelling story of a girl named November Nelson. When November's boyfriend, Josh Prescott, dies many people are affected. Two months later when November finds out she is pregnant she learns it is time to grow up. November Blues is told from two peoples perspective, Jericho and November. Jericho is the cousin of Josh and he has struggles of his own. With a baby on the way, lives are about to change. This book goes through the feelings of pain, sadness, and suffering, but also enjoyment, happiness and love.
While reading this boo I felt connected to it. I felt like I was feeling emotions of each character. This book was intriging and really made me want to keep going. Other books by Sharon Draper are Tears of a Tiger, The Battle of Jericho, and Copper Sun. Sharon Draper really has a way of writing to make you feel as if you were in the characters shoes.
While reading this boo I felt connected to it. I felt like I was feeling emotions of each character. This book was intriging and really made me want to keep going. Other books by Sharon Draper are Tears of a Tiger, The Battle of Jericho, and Copper Sun. Sharon Draper really has a way of writing to make you feel as if you were in the characters shoes.
December 11, 2009
The Gateway Award is an annual award that goes to the best young adult ault novel of the year, as voted on by teenagers (but nominated by adults). Every year, I promise myself that I will read all of them, having something of a vested interest in YA literature. I never do quite get around to it. This year's going to be different, though, and I will review all of the books here, mostly so I remember which ones were good come voting time.
The first book I've selected, mostly because I happened to run across it in Border's the other day, is "November Blues" by Sharon M. Draper, and if it's any indication of what kind of books get picked for this award, this is going to be a somewhat difficult project. "November Blues" was not an enjoyable read, and out of all great YA novels out there, it's amazing to me that this one makes the list.
For one thing, it follows just about every cliche of the genre. Right down to the tiny little ones, like the apparent requirement that all main characters have quirky names. The main character is called November, apparently just for the sake of the groan-inducing pun (it is supposed to be a pun, right?) in the title. November also has a friend named Jericho, who starred in a another novel by the same author, "The Fall of Jericho". I haven't read it, but I have no desire to. Another genre trope shoehorned into the book: November isn't sure she was ever in love with Josh, her boyfriend, who's a nice, funny guy but, according to her, has no real depth. Young adult novels are full of relationships like that- except that the novel starts just after Josh's DEATH in a horrible accident, so the whole thing comes off as a little icky and out of place, and November as a shade insensitive.
This book is blantently a Very Special Episode of something- whether it's the series or the Gateway Award list, I'm not sure, not having read any of the other books in either category. But it's obvious that somebody needed a teen pregnancy book (the premise of the book is, by the way, that November is pregnant by her deceased boyfriend because they just didn't think to use birth control the night he died; November is an idiot). The premise unfolds with absolutely no twists and turns, except in the B-plot about November's much more interesting friends' battle with mean girl Ariana. Josh's parents do threaten to sue for custody, but there's no suspense there- Draper makes it clear that, in her universe, November will be a great mom, and her baby will fix all here problems! Which it does. The book seems, at times, to think teen pregnancy is a pretty great idea. Not convenient, sure, but the actual baby part is cool. When it's not being weird, it's just boring. Incredibly boring. Insanely boring. I've seen this basic premise done better a dozen times!
November does nothing to make it any more interesting, either. There's a recent trend in YA fiction towards female characters who function as nothing more than blank slates onto which the story can be projected. All right, no, scratch that, it's not a recent trend or just in YA fiction. Male characters has always gotten personalities and quirks, female characters get backstory and feelings for male characters. November literally has no personality except for her pregnancy and her relationships with her friends. And I am tired of things like that.
"November Blues" is not a book to which I would give any award. Here's hoping the other candidates are better.
The first book I've selected, mostly because I happened to run across it in Border's the other day, is "November Blues" by Sharon M. Draper, and if it's any indication of what kind of books get picked for this award, this is going to be a somewhat difficult project. "November Blues" was not an enjoyable read, and out of all great YA novels out there, it's amazing to me that this one makes the list.
For one thing, it follows just about every cliche of the genre. Right down to the tiny little ones, like the apparent requirement that all main characters have quirky names. The main character is called November, apparently just for the sake of the groan-inducing pun (it is supposed to be a pun, right?) in the title. November also has a friend named Jericho, who starred in a another novel by the same author, "The Fall of Jericho". I haven't read it, but I have no desire to. Another genre trope shoehorned into the book: November isn't sure she was ever in love with Josh, her boyfriend, who's a nice, funny guy but, according to her, has no real depth. Young adult novels are full of relationships like that- except that the novel starts just after Josh's DEATH in a horrible accident, so the whole thing comes off as a little icky and out of place, and November as a shade insensitive.
This book is blantently a Very Special Episode of something- whether it's the series or the Gateway Award list, I'm not sure, not having read any of the other books in either category. But it's obvious that somebody needed a teen pregnancy book (the premise of the book is, by the way, that November is pregnant by her deceased boyfriend because they just didn't think to use birth control the night he died; November is an idiot). The premise unfolds with absolutely no twists and turns, except in the B-plot about November's much more interesting friends' battle with mean girl Ariana. Josh's parents do threaten to sue for custody, but there's no suspense there- Draper makes it clear that, in her universe, November will be a great mom, and her baby will fix all here problems! Which it does. The book seems, at times, to think teen pregnancy is a pretty great idea. Not convenient, sure, but the actual baby part is cool. When it's not being weird, it's just boring. Incredibly boring. Insanely boring. I've seen this basic premise done better a dozen times!
November does nothing to make it any more interesting, either. There's a recent trend in YA fiction towards female characters who function as nothing more than blank slates onto which the story can be projected. All right, no, scratch that, it's not a recent trend or just in YA fiction. Male characters has always gotten personalities and quirks, female characters get backstory and feelings for male characters. November literally has no personality except for her pregnancy and her relationships with her friends. And I am tired of things like that.
"November Blues" is not a book to which I would give any award. Here's hoping the other candidates are better.
June 23, 2010
In my Opinion, If you are a teenage girl that absolutly HATES reading, but u have nothing else to do and decide, 'hey, today im going to read a book' but ur afraid ur not going to finish it cause again, you HATE reading, November Blues by Sharon M. Draper is the book for you!!! I swear, I can honistly say that This is one of my favorite books in the WORLD (For girls of the right age and enought macherity of coarse cause there is some talk of Sex, Womens bodys, and slang)
16 year old Novemver Nelson has just found out that she is Pregnant. 2 months earlyer her boyfriend Joshwa (Josh) Prescot had just died.*See The Battle of Jerico by Sharon M. Draper for that story* Meanwhile Jerico Prescot ( Josh's Cousin) Is missing his cousin *who was like a brother to him* Like CRAZY!!! Jerico is Lost, November is alone, baby on the way. Jerico is confused, he gave up the love of his life...his Trumpet...Because his cousin is no longer with him and there is no way to bring him back. Now Jerico is takeing away his pain by playing football. Jerico now feels the responsibility to help November throu her time of need, And soon enough, they find a little sunshine to help the relize what they are here for.☺ ☼ ♥
When I first checked this book out, i though "ok, another book im going to not even read" I hated reading. Thought it was a waist of my time! Boy was i wrong!!! Every person likes a diffrent type of book. For Instance i cannot read Harry Potter, But...I will gladly sit and listen to someone else read it. I cannot stand to read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, But i was sitting there with exitement when my teacher read it to me. From this book, I learn a lesson, Everyone has there own...ganra of book that they prfer to read, and some people (likea me!) can't read something that doesn't grab there attension.
16 year old Novemver Nelson has just found out that she is Pregnant. 2 months earlyer her boyfriend Joshwa (Josh) Prescot had just died.*See The Battle of Jerico by Sharon M. Draper for that story* Meanwhile Jerico Prescot ( Josh's Cousin) Is missing his cousin *who was like a brother to him* Like CRAZY!!! Jerico is Lost, November is alone, baby on the way. Jerico is confused, he gave up the love of his life...his Trumpet...Because his cousin is no longer with him and there is no way to bring him back. Now Jerico is takeing away his pain by playing football. Jerico now feels the responsibility to help November throu her time of need, And soon enough, they find a little sunshine to help the relize what they are here for.☺ ☼ ♥
When I first checked this book out, i though "ok, another book im going to not even read" I hated reading. Thought it was a waist of my time! Boy was i wrong!!! Every person likes a diffrent type of book. For Instance i cannot read Harry Potter, But...I will gladly sit and listen to someone else read it. I cannot stand to read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, But i was sitting there with exitement when my teacher read it to me. From this book, I learn a lesson, Everyone has there own...ganra of book that they prfer to read, and some people (likea me!) can't read something that doesn't grab there attension.
June 27, 2017
As a disclaimer, this book was required reading for my YA literature class. It is not something I would read by choice.
Having said that, the main character of this book, November, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she is pregnant by her boyfriend who died in a tragic accident, should've been the main focus of this story. I mean, the book is NAMED AFTER HER!!
But she's not. We probably spend about 50% of the time with her story, the other 50% (maybe more) with the main character of the previous book, Jericho. The fact of the matter is, teenage pregnancy is a serious issue, something that many girls have to deal with and this book does a disservice to them.
Instead of dealing with the very real consequences and issues these girls have to deal with, it's all glossed over. Everyone in this book is super supportive of November when her pregnancy is revealed, the custody issue is, quite honestly, a non-issue. There is no sense of urgency, danger or worry of real tragedy.
When all is said and done, the only character I cared about was Olivia, who was a minor character, but the only one who showed any real personality and emotion.
Having said that, the main character of this book, November, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she is pregnant by her boyfriend who died in a tragic accident, should've been the main focus of this story. I mean, the book is NAMED AFTER HER!!
But she's not. We probably spend about 50% of the time with her story, the other 50% (maybe more) with the main character of the previous book, Jericho. The fact of the matter is, teenage pregnancy is a serious issue, something that many girls have to deal with and this book does a disservice to them.
Instead of dealing with the very real consequences and issues these girls have to deal with, it's all glossed over. Everyone in this book is super supportive of November when her pregnancy is revealed, the custody issue is, quite honestly, a non-issue. There is no sense of urgency, danger or worry of real tragedy.
When all is said and done, the only character I cared about was Olivia, who was a minor character, but the only one who showed any real personality and emotion.
February 2, 2011
I just finished "November Blues" by Sharon Draper. Ugh, is the only way I can describe this book. I found the writing unrealistic and uninspiring. The longer I read the book, the more I felt like I was watching a bad installment of a Lifetime Original Movie. I wanted it to end soon after I had bought it for my Kindle. I kept thinking, this has to get better, it can't be this predictable... but alas, no. The plot was incredibly predictable, the language was unbelievable, and the characters were less than likeable. My favorite character was an overweight girl named Olivia, who was different and had spirit. The rest of the characters were uninspiring and typical. The premise of the novel is the main character, November, finds herself pregnant and her boyfriend dead. Though November goes to an ObGyn (the word obstetrician is never murmured in the text), she is totally blind sided about child birth, babies, or anything else having to do with reality. Simply, I was disappointed. When I see lots of awards associated with an author, I expect more. I expect to not look down at how much more I have to read and hope the book will end soon.
February 15, 2020
The sequel to Draper's 'Battle of Jericho' picks up immediately after the first book, with November discovering that she's carrying her deceased boyfriend's child. With only her mother and a tight-knit group of friends to rely on, November is forced to grow up in a hurry as she faces impeding motherhood.
There's a third book that follows that features secondary character Arielle (a who also makes an appearance in the first book), and while Draper tries to set up reader's for her journey in book three, there's more confusion in regards to her character development (a complete 180 from the first book, 'Battle of Jericho').
While the book wasn't terrible, the same out-of-touch dialogue and cliches from the first book (and other YA novels's of Drapers) are found here as well.
There's a third book that follows that features secondary character Arielle (a who also makes an appearance in the first book), and while Draper tries to set up reader's for her journey in book three, there's more confusion in regards to her character development (a complete 180 from the first book, 'Battle of Jericho').
While the book wasn't terrible, the same out-of-touch dialogue and cliches from the first book (and other YA novels's of Drapers) are found here as well.
October 29, 2017
This book is so perfect ❤️❤️
February 27, 2025
3 stars
rtc - maybe?? idk for sure
rtc - maybe?? idk for sure
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November 27, 2018My book is about a young teen got pregnant and the boy that got her pregnant died. The boys parents are devastated and when they find out that November is pregnant they want to adopt her baby as soon as she is born. November has to decide whether or not she wants to give up her baby before she is born.
I didn't really like the book at first but then after awhile I started to get into the book and now I actually like it.
If you like fiction books I think this would be a good book to read or if your a teen you might like it because the characters in this book are about our age.
I didn't really like the book at first but then after awhile I started to get into the book and now I actually like it.
If you like fiction books I think this would be a good book to read or if your a teen you might like it because the characters in this book are about our age.
October 7, 2010
I Don’t Want to Growup:
November Blues:
What if you found out you were pregnant and your baby’s father wasn’t living anymore? You would have to drop out of school and leave your friends to become a mother. That’ll mean you’ll have to sacrifice everything just to make a life for your baby, but what if you weren’t ready? November Blues, by Sharon Draper, is about an American Teenager (November Nelson) who becomes pregnant at a very horrible time of her life. Her boyfriend (Josh) who was pledging for a school gang, died from jumping out a two-story window, with no knowledge that his girlfriend was carrying his unborn child. With little money, and not even a clue on how to raise a baby, November must grow up and think fast about how to start a new life for her baby. November has witnessed her boyfriend’s death, her life becoming a nightmare, and the relationship between her and her mother fall apart. With the help of close friends and Josh’s cousin (Jericho) you’ll think November has all the help she can get, but she faces the hardest event any teenager can go through. This story took place in current times. It is I believe a realistic fiction, because its events can happen at anytime. One of the themes in November Blue’s is getting pregnant at such a young age could change everything in your life. When kids head in the wrong direction they start to drift away from their normal lives, and start to deal with the real world and start growing up to fast. When kids have unprotected sex, they have to deal with the adult consequences. Getting pregnant at such a young age can make or break a girl’s life.
Getting pregnant at such a young age could change everything in your life. When kids head in the wrong direction they start to drift away from their normal teenage lives, and start to deal with the real world and start growing up to fast. November was a very smart young talented student. She was accepted to many colleges, and her mother was so proud to see her daughter start to succeed. Things were going so well until November made the mistake of her life time. Since kids are not as responsible and think mistakes could be little things such as get to school on time, they don’t realize that mistakes like getting pregnant can’t be taken back. Mistakes ruin people’s lives.
In addition, the books themes is when kids head in the wrong direction they start to drift away from their normal teenage lives and start to grow up to fast When kids have unprotected sex, they have to deal with the adult consequences. Getting pregnant at such a young age can make or break a girl’s life. Just like November, she had to sacrifice her life just to make life for her un-born child. November once stated “I didn’t know raising a baby could be so hard.” That tells me she didn’t know anything about being a mother. She was forced into a position she couldn’t handle yet. November was pressured a lot to giving up her baby, but she really loved that child and she said she’ll do anything to make her child’s life a good life. Even if that meant giving up her own.
Finally, the theme of the book was getting pregnant at such a young age can make or break a girl’s life. You should enjoy being a kid and leave the real world to your parents. When you’re a child getting pregnant stops your childhood, while you’re a adult getting pregnant makes another childhood. Seeing and reading about a girl who experienced such an unfortunate event at such a young age tells me that I don’t want to be an adult just yet. I learned being a kid is the best part of your life and there are so many opportunities I could take out in the world. November was an average girl and just one mistake ruined her life for good in just nine simple months.
November Blues:
What if you found out you were pregnant and your baby’s father wasn’t living anymore? You would have to drop out of school and leave your friends to become a mother. That’ll mean you’ll have to sacrifice everything just to make a life for your baby, but what if you weren’t ready? November Blues, by Sharon Draper, is about an American Teenager (November Nelson) who becomes pregnant at a very horrible time of her life. Her boyfriend (Josh) who was pledging for a school gang, died from jumping out a two-story window, with no knowledge that his girlfriend was carrying his unborn child. With little money, and not even a clue on how to raise a baby, November must grow up and think fast about how to start a new life for her baby. November has witnessed her boyfriend’s death, her life becoming a nightmare, and the relationship between her and her mother fall apart. With the help of close friends and Josh’s cousin (Jericho) you’ll think November has all the help she can get, but she faces the hardest event any teenager can go through. This story took place in current times. It is I believe a realistic fiction, because its events can happen at anytime. One of the themes in November Blue’s is getting pregnant at such a young age could change everything in your life. When kids head in the wrong direction they start to drift away from their normal lives, and start to deal with the real world and start growing up to fast. When kids have unprotected sex, they have to deal with the adult consequences. Getting pregnant at such a young age can make or break a girl’s life.
Getting pregnant at such a young age could change everything in your life. When kids head in the wrong direction they start to drift away from their normal teenage lives, and start to deal with the real world and start growing up to fast. November was a very smart young talented student. She was accepted to many colleges, and her mother was so proud to see her daughter start to succeed. Things were going so well until November made the mistake of her life time. Since kids are not as responsible and think mistakes could be little things such as get to school on time, they don’t realize that mistakes like getting pregnant can’t be taken back. Mistakes ruin people’s lives.
In addition, the books themes is when kids head in the wrong direction they start to drift away from their normal teenage lives and start to grow up to fast When kids have unprotected sex, they have to deal with the adult consequences. Getting pregnant at such a young age can make or break a girl’s life. Just like November, she had to sacrifice her life just to make life for her un-born child. November once stated “I didn’t know raising a baby could be so hard.” That tells me she didn’t know anything about being a mother. She was forced into a position she couldn’t handle yet. November was pressured a lot to giving up her baby, but she really loved that child and she said she’ll do anything to make her child’s life a good life. Even if that meant giving up her own.
Finally, the theme of the book was getting pregnant at such a young age can make or break a girl’s life. You should enjoy being a kid and leave the real world to your parents. When you’re a child getting pregnant stops your childhood, while you’re a adult getting pregnant makes another childhood. Seeing and reading about a girl who experienced such an unfortunate event at such a young age tells me that I don’t want to be an adult just yet. I learned being a kid is the best part of your life and there are so many opportunities I could take out in the world. November was an average girl and just one mistake ruined her life for good in just nine simple months.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2010
This book is from one of my favorite author Sharon M. Draper. No surprise, this is another good novel that I instantly fell in love with after the first few chapters. The theme of this book isn’t much unique from any other teen pregnancy book but I love how Draper writes everything that touches your heart and you can connect to the characters’ feeling frequently. It was about November, a high school girl who later realized she is pregnant after a few weeks that her boyfriend jumped off from the third floor for a mission to join a gang but died. November disgusts a lot about her feeling to her pregnancy. For example, she cannot join any school clubs or shop with friends how she normally did. Furthermore, her mother is putting pressures on her about how is she going to take care of a baby when she is one herself. In the beginning of the book, November actually questioned herself if she really loves Josh, her boyfriend or not. This means that a moment of happiness can bring life consequences or change. Draper definitely warns teens to avoid teen pregnancy in a unique and soft style. In the end, November had a baby girl named sunshine that is born two months early and has a chance of brain damage. Throughout the book, I clearly see how November has change from a little girl to a mother which touches readers’ hearts.
November 9, 2008
Like the novel that precedes it, November Blues is very moralistic at the cost of character and story development. It did have a more realistic plot than the first one (for a high school drama), though I am just not sure why a teenager would voluntarily read a preachy, moralistic novel.
Also, Draper did a great job of expanding her audience. The first novel is pretty much of interest only to boys, but this novel continues partially from the point of view of the previous book's male protagonist, retaining the boy audience, but having the book focus on a female protagonist, thus drawing in girls as well.
Also, Draper did a great job of expanding her audience. The first novel is pretty much of interest only to boys, but this novel continues partially from the point of view of the previous book's male protagonist, retaining the boy audience, but having the book focus on a female protagonist, thus drawing in girls as well.
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February 27, 2015This was really amazing. I'm the type that really hates reading and when I'm forced to I only read a little bit and never pick it up again but this time it was different. When I first picked it up I couldn't put it down. When somebody else had the book I kept on begging my teacher to get the book for me and when I got it I couldn't give it up. The book first started off with a twist and drama and so many people was hurt. It felt like I was getting hurt personally. Overall the book is amazing and I really loved it. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves drama. If your reading this I suggest you stop what your doing and go read, "November Blues", by Sharon Draper.
July 30, 2009
Surprisingly, a Draper book that did not live up to my expectations. Could be my age, or my opinions because I know my students have loved this one. Felt as though the dialogue was stilted and too "you go girl." Maybe even dated for slang. I would have sooooo re-written the ending. Oh well... she usually bats a thousand for me... guess I can allow for one that disappoints.
June 9, 2009
This was by far the best book i have read this school year. Im could really relate to what Dawn was going thorugh in this book. Also i was so excicted to finic=sh this book because it was the last book of the collecton. I can offically say Sharon out did herslef with this book.
May 2, 2010
An interesting and timely book. This is the second book in the second trilogy about a group of students at Douglass HS in Ohio. The ending was surprising and should give readers something to think about in terms of relationships.
March 18, 2010
this is the story of november who after her boyfriend josh prescott dies gets pregnant with his baby
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2014
I think all kids of all ages should read this book.
April 11, 2019
I think I found the worst book of 2019 for me. This book was not enjoyable in any way. There wasn’t anything I liked about this book except making fun of it to my friends and family. (Get ready for a long, rant review)
This book has: an unoriginal plot, unlikable characters, cringy dialogue, and horrible writing. Everything in this book was cliche, predictable, and sometimes really boring.
This book is suppose to follow a girl named November who ends up pregnant by her dead boyfriend. First off, November? I’m all for unique names but this is going too far. And second off, November’s boyfriend died by jumping off a two story building(this isn’t a spoiler btw). You must have landed just perfect to die jumping off a two story building. He did it to try to get into a club thing as like a pledge or something(I read this book from the library so I was not able to mark anything nor do I care to look). And finally November described why she got pregnant basically as if she was on drugs. She didn’t use protection because she was “drugged” by the current moment. That’s stupid and she’s stupid. Nobody sober having sex describes it as if they’re on acid and having a blurry vision that stops you from thinking straight.
So the next reason why I hated this book was the dialogue. Not one teenager talks and acts like the ones in this book. I don’t care when this book was published, nobody talks that cringy and horribly to each other. I rolled my eyes so many times. I noticed that the author was a high school English teacher at one point. Just because you teach teenagers doesn’t mean you know them.
Then there was too many useless plot points in this book including Jericho’s point of view. I didn’t like him at all and I don’t care about football! He’s annoying and in my opinion useless to the overall story. Arielle and Olivia to me we’re cliche characters that were both unintelligent in their own ways as well. I didn’t care at all about these characters except Sunshine.
Sunshine too, I’m sorry to that child who will probably get bullied by her name. Kids are mean, okay. And the obvious plot point at the end, that’s not really a spoiler cause it’s a book about a pregnant girl, bothered me. I’d be embarrassed if my whole school showed up and pretended to care about me just because I’m having a child. It was also horrible that November was topping headlines with this pregnancy. She’s a teenager who got knocked up that’s not news. And they would have never used a helicopter for her considering she wasn’t dying. That was super unrealistic and showed how much the author thinks she knows.
Overall, the author acted like she knew everything about teens, pregnancy, and football. It also felt like the author wanted you to feel bad that November’s pregnant. She was the stupid teen who got knocked up so no, I don’t feel bad for her. This book should have never won an award because it wasn’t influential in any way. It was horribly written, had an overused plot line, and the author had a major lack of knowledge.
Don’t bother reading this book, and congrats if you’ve reached the end of this review. Like I said, I read this as a library book so I couldn’t highlight and underline every horrible line in this book or I would have had examples for each of my points. Just believe me, this book is useless and you shouldn’t waste your time on it.
This book has: an unoriginal plot, unlikable characters, cringy dialogue, and horrible writing. Everything in this book was cliche, predictable, and sometimes really boring.
This book is suppose to follow a girl named November who ends up pregnant by her dead boyfriend. First off, November? I’m all for unique names but this is going too far. And second off, November’s boyfriend died by jumping off a two story building(this isn’t a spoiler btw). You must have landed just perfect to die jumping off a two story building. He did it to try to get into a club thing as like a pledge or something(I read this book from the library so I was not able to mark anything nor do I care to look). And finally November described why she got pregnant basically as if she was on drugs. She didn’t use protection because she was “drugged” by the current moment. That’s stupid and she’s stupid. Nobody sober having sex describes it as if they’re on acid and having a blurry vision that stops you from thinking straight.
So the next reason why I hated this book was the dialogue. Not one teenager talks and acts like the ones in this book. I don’t care when this book was published, nobody talks that cringy and horribly to each other. I rolled my eyes so many times. I noticed that the author was a high school English teacher at one point. Just because you teach teenagers doesn’t mean you know them.
Then there was too many useless plot points in this book including Jericho’s point of view. I didn’t like him at all and I don’t care about football! He’s annoying and in my opinion useless to the overall story. Arielle and Olivia to me we’re cliche characters that were both unintelligent in their own ways as well. I didn’t care at all about these characters except Sunshine.
Sunshine too, I’m sorry to that child who will probably get bullied by her name. Kids are mean, okay. And the obvious plot point at the end, that’s not really a spoiler cause it’s a book about a pregnant girl, bothered me. I’d be embarrassed if my whole school showed up and pretended to care about me just because I’m having a child. It was also horrible that November was topping headlines with this pregnancy. She’s a teenager who got knocked up that’s not news. And they would have never used a helicopter for her considering she wasn’t dying. That was super unrealistic and showed how much the author thinks she knows.
Overall, the author acted like she knew everything about teens, pregnancy, and football. It also felt like the author wanted you to feel bad that November’s pregnant. She was the stupid teen who got knocked up so no, I don’t feel bad for her. This book should have never won an award because it wasn’t influential in any way. It was horribly written, had an overused plot line, and the author had a major lack of knowledge.
Don’t bother reading this book, and congrats if you’ve reached the end of this review. Like I said, I read this as a library book so I couldn’t highlight and underline every horrible line in this book or I would have had examples for each of my points. Just believe me, this book is useless and you shouldn’t waste your time on it.
June 7, 2019
“She’d always imagined that when she got married and had kids she’d have it all together with a fine husband, a great career, and a nice house in the burbs— the storybook stuff. By then she’d be able to welcome a new baby with the best of everything— designer blankets and sophisticated educational toys. She’d even pictured the expensive stroller she’d push through the mall.
But here she sat, with barely enough money to ride the bus and the very real possibility of having to apply for welfare so she could feed and care for her child.”
And so begins the sequel of the Jericho Trilogy, now following the life of November Nelson in “November Blues” by Sharon M. Draper.
The reason behind my choice of quote is because this is a strong passage from the book that shows what would have been November’s perfect dream about her future, only to truly show her being faced with the responsibilities of adulthood so soon.
Sixteen year old November Nelson is struggling to manage school, becoming a mother, friendships, and hardships of her everyday life.
There is a grand grief that students of Frederick Douglass High School try to pass over, but it sticks severely to November and her small group of friends the most.
This is the grief that changed her life forever, and it’s now her time to make a grand decision.
Along the way, she is also put up against many obstacles regarding the custody issue of her unborn baby, making her feel scared and upset of the future outcome.
A possible theme for the book “November Blues” is there will be almost always be choices/actions in life you have to make that are unplanned. This is shown in the story multiple times during November’s journey of motherhood, and the decisions she must deal with throughout the time of her pregnancy.
How will her mother deal with her situation?
What will happen when the whole school finds out she has been pregnant?
Who/why are people having custody issues over November’s baby?
Because of my strong interest in the first book to the Jericho Trilogy, I felt that reading the second book would make me feel satisfied with the continuation into the lives of November and friends. The Jericho Trilogy will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading fiction or conflicts that high school teens face and soon overcome, then this trilogy will be something you may enjoy.
But here she sat, with barely enough money to ride the bus and the very real possibility of having to apply for welfare so she could feed and care for her child.”
And so begins the sequel of the Jericho Trilogy, now following the life of November Nelson in “November Blues” by Sharon M. Draper.
The reason behind my choice of quote is because this is a strong passage from the book that shows what would have been November’s perfect dream about her future, only to truly show her being faced with the responsibilities of adulthood so soon.
Sixteen year old November Nelson is struggling to manage school, becoming a mother, friendships, and hardships of her everyday life.
There is a grand grief that students of Frederick Douglass High School try to pass over, but it sticks severely to November and her small group of friends the most.
This is the grief that changed her life forever, and it’s now her time to make a grand decision.
Along the way, she is also put up against many obstacles regarding the custody issue of her unborn baby, making her feel scared and upset of the future outcome.
A possible theme for the book “November Blues” is there will be almost always be choices/actions in life you have to make that are unplanned. This is shown in the story multiple times during November’s journey of motherhood, and the decisions she must deal with throughout the time of her pregnancy.
How will her mother deal with her situation?
What will happen when the whole school finds out she has been pregnant?
Who/why are people having custody issues over November’s baby?
Because of my strong interest in the first book to the Jericho Trilogy, I felt that reading the second book would make me feel satisfied with the continuation into the lives of November and friends. The Jericho Trilogy will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading fiction or conflicts that high school teens face and soon overcome, then this trilogy will be something you may enjoy.
November 6, 2018
What an amazing book! I read this as an e-audiobook through Overdrive. Impressive in its depth and scope of the difficult issue of teen pregnancy but told with a refreshing spin. I laughed out loud in a few places and I wasn't sure if it was because of Sharon M. Draper's writing style, the narrator, or both. This book was definitely funnier than some of her other books and I feel like they were fewer heavy issues to deal with than Sharon's other work. I presume that the other books I read were her earlier titles as this one seems more different than the others-- it's longer, funnier, fewer heavy issues, and introduces a girl as a central character. I liked seeing the character development of Jericho, first introduced in the Battle of Jericho, as well as the interesting spin that November's life had taken with her pregnancy by her late boyfriend, Josh. Also, what a change her friendship with Arielle had gone through which was really interesting how it played out. I appreciated the character of Olivia because I could relate a lot to what she had gone through-- a feeling of invisibility despite the integrity, compassion, and sincerity she showed. She was not "a looker" by popularity standards, played in band, and had excellent grades but she grew accustomed to being invisible. I also liked seeing how this newly introduced character grew as well. In addition to Arielle and old characters like Dana and Kofi, I felt slight echoes of the Warrior Club with the football team that Jericho joined. Sharon Draper writes boys really well and in this fourth novel of hers that I am reading, as mentioned, I am happy to see that she expanded to include a girl, November Nelson, as a central character. Ironically, this story was narrated by a male voice but it still works. Also, characteristic of Sharon's other books, there are important adult figures who support, mentor, and help the teens without seeming preachy, even less so in this book than the first Draper title I read. I also think this book would appeal to people of faith as it had been mentioned that a main character prayed and there is no swearing or excessive explicit content. I am looking forward to meeting Sharon Draper next week when she comes to Toronto to learn about her writing process.
May 16, 2017
Book Review By: Junny K’paw
November Blues by Sharon M. Draper is a young adult novel that tells a story of November Nelson and her single mom going through difficult time dealing with the baby and her boyfriend parents and Jericho lost in two decision whether to continue to play his beloved trumpet or start playing football. “Her breathe became more shallow, and her nausea more intense. Finally, uncontrollably, and forcefully, all her distress erupted and she lost her lunch in heaves and waves of vomiting.” (pg.1). November was scared that her thought might be right so she quickly went to buy pregnancy test and after that, she test herself and it turn out to be positive.
Jericho was still in shocked that her cousin Josh passed away from horrible accident and the guilt he felt. Every time he played the trumpet, it reminded him of Josh and the memories they had together. He didn’t want the thought of Josh in his head because the pain triggers him. His music teacher Mr.Tambori keeps convincing him to come back and play for scholarship but it didn’t cross his mind. November was nervous because she had to tell her mom about her pregnancy. “I didn’t go to the book fair today. I went to a doctor. I’m pregnant, mom.” (pg.54). Jericho tries out for the football and he made it in. Football is a harsh sport so he can take his mind off Josh. November and her mom don’t have that money for the baby. After she told josh parents, they immediately hired a lawyer and bought everything the baby need; clothes, diapers, baby bottles, car seat, crib, everything and on top of that, if she would give the baby to them, they would offer her college money. They’re both trap in difficult decision that might change everything but they only get to choose one thing that best fit for Josh.
I love this book because this will help any teenager that might have difficult decision whether to keep their baby or not. This book is worthy to read because it’s very educational and a perspective from a young girl November. Sharon M. Draper did an excellent job putting the story together for those who struggle their love one. I recommend this to anyone who like reading young adult novel and my fellow classmate.
November Blues by Sharon M. Draper is a young adult novel that tells a story of November Nelson and her single mom going through difficult time dealing with the baby and her boyfriend parents and Jericho lost in two decision whether to continue to play his beloved trumpet or start playing football. “Her breathe became more shallow, and her nausea more intense. Finally, uncontrollably, and forcefully, all her distress erupted and she lost her lunch in heaves and waves of vomiting.” (pg.1). November was scared that her thought might be right so she quickly went to buy pregnancy test and after that, she test herself and it turn out to be positive.
Jericho was still in shocked that her cousin Josh passed away from horrible accident and the guilt he felt. Every time he played the trumpet, it reminded him of Josh and the memories they had together. He didn’t want the thought of Josh in his head because the pain triggers him. His music teacher Mr.Tambori keeps convincing him to come back and play for scholarship but it didn’t cross his mind. November was nervous because she had to tell her mom about her pregnancy. “I didn’t go to the book fair today. I went to a doctor. I’m pregnant, mom.” (pg.54). Jericho tries out for the football and he made it in. Football is a harsh sport so he can take his mind off Josh. November and her mom don’t have that money for the baby. After she told josh parents, they immediately hired a lawyer and bought everything the baby need; clothes, diapers, baby bottles, car seat, crib, everything and on top of that, if she would give the baby to them, they would offer her college money. They’re both trap in difficult decision that might change everything but they only get to choose one thing that best fit for Josh.
I love this book because this will help any teenager that might have difficult decision whether to keep their baby or not. This book is worthy to read because it’s very educational and a perspective from a young girl November. Sharon M. Draper did an excellent job putting the story together for those who struggle their love one. I recommend this to anyone who like reading young adult novel and my fellow classmate.
January 20, 2020
It’s obvious after just reading the first page of the reviews that they were written by students. As a teacher, my bet is that these kids were assigned to write reviews on Goodreads as this cover many curriculum requirements for a basic book report. It also requires students to support their reviews with text evidence. However, for regular users of Goodreads, it may not give the best impression of the actual book since the grammar and sentence structure are all over the place. I disclose that Sharon Draper was a teacher at my high school in the 90’s. She wrote her 1st book, Tears of a Tiger when I was a Senior. I have read most, if not all, of Draper’s books and Copper Sun is used in my junior high school as a regular curriculum novel. November Blues isn’t her best book. I was able to read it quickly due to the easy vocabulary and slang. I’m glad to see a female protagonist, but November’s reasons for getting pregnant were questionable and I was undecided about how teen pregnancy was handled in this book. I am pro- choice and support any woman’s right to go through or not go through a pregnancy. I just wasn’t sure what message she was saying about teen pregnancy, because it’s very difficult. Not everyone will have November’s experience, but it does limit any teen. The death of Josh was hard to believe. It seemed too much to ask a reader to believe. I agree with the adult reviews that compared it to an after school special or lifetime movie. This wasn’t a YA book for me. 3 stars.
October 19, 2021
This book put me through many emotions. I agreed with the mother but didn’t agree with how she handled certain things, I loved Olivia’s compassion towards others regardless of what she has gone through, and I felt for November as she struggled with the roller coaster of teenage pregnancy. Each major character had their own coming of age and positive character development, while other characters received what they had coming for them. I haven’t read a lot of books recently besides a couple books I have had to read for a class, but this one has been my absolute favorite so far. No matter who the reader is there is definitely a character they could easily relate to and connect with. There is grief, self-blame, life-changing decision making, drama, and many other themes that young adults would benefit from reading about. This book also included the perspective of Jericho, which gave readers more opportunity to feel seen if they related to him in any way. The reason I am giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 however is because I felt that it was lacking a better ending. The author did tie all the ties and answer all of our questions about relationships and what not, but I personally felt like it was missing something. Or maybe it was that at some points the story would go into great detail about things that seemed important for the author to include, while other times it would skip over something that seemed like it should’ve had more pages. Also, I feel like it would’ve been really interesting if we were to get a story from Olivia’s perspective. All in all, this book was a fantastic read and I would probably read it again. I am interested in reading the sequels that are included as well. I do highly suggest reading it due to the fact that it is very current and relatable to young adults, and it’s good for people of any age to know what they’re going through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2023
The realistic fiction by Sharon M. Draper called: November Blues, tells a relatable story of a girl whose boyfriend died and left behind a part of him that would impact her whole lifestyle. As she's trying to figure out how to become a "little mama" as her friend Dana calls her mistaken pregnancy. Apparently, this is the second book of a series. I didn't know that until I just started writing this review. That does say one thing about this book. When you read it you get all of the background knowledge you need to be able to understand the story, and the story was clearly explained. The story the author tells is very realistic to some of the problems teenagers face these days from things like judgment, cliques, relationship drama, depression, bullying, deaths, grades, and even accidental pregnancies. This world today sure is crazy, and the book captures it pretty well. But despite all of the negative topics in the book the protagonist (November Nelson) finds support and how it's possible to get through some of the hardest trials. This book has multiple protagonists, every few chapters it will be a perspective of another character looking at the problem that has affected everyone from the lost boyfriend's cousin, to a supporting friend. This book was a very relatable and realistic story for my generation but it wasn't my favorite. It personally made me sad to read that this is part of the world we live in today and if you are not comfortable with details about pregnancies you won't like this book more because it mentions it multiple times throughout the book. This book had a very clear story and I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a random realistic story of today. It's not too hard to read, and it's not hard to keep track of the different characters with their own side stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
November Blues by Sharon M. Draper's is a strong and emotional sequel to "The Battle of Jericho", by Sharon M. Draper, showing the aftermath of the death of Josh Prescott, a junior in high school who died during a recruiting process for a frat. The story centers two main characters; November Nelson, Josh's girlfriend who finds out she is pregnant, and Jericho Prescott, Josh's cousin and best friend, who was also involved in the fatal pledge stunt. Through November''s eyes, we experience the overwhelming fear, grief, and isolation that come with teen pregnancy. She struggles with school, her mom's disappointment, and the future of raising a child without Josh. November's character is honest and vulnerable, shes trying to do the right thing while still figuring out what that even means for her and her situation. Her inner struggles and how she gets stronger are the best parts of the book.
On the other hand, Jericho's situation shows a different kind of pain. Hes wreaked with guilt for participating in the pledging ritual that killed Josh, Jericho withdraws from friends, school, and music, all things that once brought him joy. His depression is blunt, especially when he refuses to touch his trumpet, symbolizing how disconnected he is becoming from himself. Draper does an amazing job showing how trauma doesn't affect just one person, but how it bounces through communities. Jericho's path to recovery, including how he begins to support November and tries to find a way to honor Josh's memory, is subtle but meaningful. The reason I give this book four stars instead of five is that while there is emotional depth and themes of grief, responsibility, and resilience are handles beautifully, some parts felt slow paced, making it a little long to read. But never the less, November Blues is a book that handles rough topics and is impact for teen and adult readers.
On the other hand, Jericho's situation shows a different kind of pain. Hes wreaked with guilt for participating in the pledging ritual that killed Josh, Jericho withdraws from friends, school, and music, all things that once brought him joy. His depression is blunt, especially when he refuses to touch his trumpet, symbolizing how disconnected he is becoming from himself. Draper does an amazing job showing how trauma doesn't affect just one person, but how it bounces through communities. Jericho's path to recovery, including how he begins to support November and tries to find a way to honor Josh's memory, is subtle but meaningful. The reason I give this book four stars instead of five is that while there is emotional depth and themes of grief, responsibility, and resilience are handles beautifully, some parts felt slow paced, making it a little long to read. But never the less, November Blues is a book that handles rough topics and is impact for teen and adult readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
Good story, so-so narration
I have not read the first book in this trilogy, but I believe this story stands well enough on its own and that any necessary background information from the first book is included in this one: I never felt lost as to what was going on.
The things that I look for in a story were all there: I found it to be engrossing; I was invested in the different story arcs of November, Jericho, and Olivia; I wanted to keep reading to find out how it would all end; I was fairly satisfied with the resolution.
Unfortunately, I often found the narration to be out-of-tune with young adult voices. In chapter 2, we have a conversation where November confesses to her friend that she never really loved Josh. The ideas and words, while valid, didn’t sound authentic coming from a 16-year-old. In chapter 3, November says that she’s just a kid. While it’s possible some 16-year-olds will identify as “just a kid”, I don’t know very many. Scenes like this left me feeling that I’d just read a sermon and not a genuine adolescent interaction. The scenes with November’s doctor read like biology lessons.
It also seems like the detail of her brother, Gus, who has Down Syndrome, was shoehorned in. It may have given more dimension to November’s character, but it really wasn’t followed through on, making the effort fall flat. Where is this brother during the story? With many scenes taking place at home, it is apparent that only November and her mother live there. Gus’s absence is never explained, and I found that very unsatisfying.
All of this being said, none of the above would keep me from recommending the book to someone. Again, it was a very good story and an overall enjoyable read.
I have not read the first book in this trilogy, but I believe this story stands well enough on its own and that any necessary background information from the first book is included in this one: I never felt lost as to what was going on.
The things that I look for in a story were all there: I found it to be engrossing; I was invested in the different story arcs of November, Jericho, and Olivia; I wanted to keep reading to find out how it would all end; I was fairly satisfied with the resolution.
Unfortunately, I often found the narration to be out-of-tune with young adult voices. In chapter 2, we have a conversation where November confesses to her friend that she never really loved Josh. The ideas and words, while valid, didn’t sound authentic coming from a 16-year-old. In chapter 3, November says that she’s just a kid. While it’s possible some 16-year-olds will identify as “just a kid”, I don’t know very many. Scenes like this left me feeling that I’d just read a sermon and not a genuine adolescent interaction. The scenes with November’s doctor read like biology lessons.
It also seems like the detail of her brother, Gus, who has Down Syndrome, was shoehorned in. It may have given more dimension to November’s character, but it really wasn’t followed through on, making the effort fall flat. Where is this brother during the story? With many scenes taking place at home, it is apparent that only November and her mother live there. Gus’s absence is never explained, and I found that very unsatisfying.
All of this being said, none of the above would keep me from recommending the book to someone. Again, it was a very good story and an overall enjoyable read.
October 19, 2021
“November Blues” was a requirement for a college course of mine and I was pleased by this read. This book did a great job of jumping into the life of an adolescent. Though it may not be identically relatable to all adolescents, I believe most young adults can make some type of connection to the book. This book dives into the concepts of social justice and ethical dilemmas and allows young adults to validate their feelings and choices. Throughout the book, different perspectives and situations are given making the book very relatable. Sharon draper did a great job of portraying a diverse/multicultural setting in the story. The way the story was told made me want to keep reading to see how November handles things, as well as how the other characters react and cope with the tragedy and hardships they encounter. This book goes into the concept of coming of age. I feel as if many young adults have a hard time handling mature situations, making this book relatable and allowing young adults to validate their actions and emotions. I do think this book could have been a more realistic story about teen pregnancy. Yes, the book does go over some of the struggle and realization about how hard it can be, but I do not think it shows what a lot of young adults go through when pregnant at such a young age. I also think the book should have given more insight to the character Olivia. This character showed a lot of insecurity, being bullied and so much more and I think many adolescents would appreciate the chance to validate themselves through this character.
October 17, 2021
November Blues is an awesome book about life and the struggles that young adults often go through early on in their lives. November Blues is more than just a read for entertainment, it is a book filled with many life lessons that both young adults and adults could benefit from after reading. After reading this book I learned a lot of different perspectives about life as it opened my eyes to a lot of different things, the biggest thing being that young adults don't get enough credit for the trials and tribulations that they go through. So many times in society we down play young adults and make them feel as if they have an easy paved path in life but a lot of times that is hardly the case, and November is the perfect example of that. November went through a lot of struggles early on in life and she dealt with them like a true brave, courageous, and strong person deals with them. She dealt with her hardships better than a lot of adults would have. November Blues made me realize that young adults don't get the credit they deserve and that so many adults downplay the things that young adults go through, and this makes young adults feel disconnected from society because they feel as if they have nobody to talk to and that they have nobody they can relate to. If Adults would start giving young adults more credit where credit is due, we could potentially live in a better society. November Blues is a great life book that everyone could benefit from reading.
October 19, 2021
November blues is an amazing story talking about the struggles of being a teen in high school, on top of being pregnant and losing your boyfriend. After finding out she is pregnant, November was faced with having to tell her friends and family about the situation. Obviously this is a very hard thing to do as a teen because this isn't the common thing to happen at her age. Her friends and family were very shocked at first but completely supported her within this. Joshs' family not so much, they hired a lawyer and tried everything they could to take the baby as soon as she was born. Once it was time for November to have the baby, there are complications in which Joshs' parents start questioning the decision of adoption. November never got the chance to sign the papers, so she had every right to keep her baby.
Sharon Draper does a great job at telling a new story, while continuing a series. I love the fact that this book falls under the category of multicultural series. Throughout the years we have seen a great spark into this category of books, which is great because we need diversity within the books we are reading. When reading I found myself falling into this book and feeling as if I was in the story myself. Draper has a way of explaining everything in detail and not leaving you with unanswered questions. After reading this book I will definitely be reaching for more of her books or books she recommends to her readers.
Sharon Draper does a great job at telling a new story, while continuing a series. I love the fact that this book falls under the category of multicultural series. Throughout the years we have seen a great spark into this category of books, which is great because we need diversity within the books we are reading. When reading I found myself falling into this book and feeling as if I was in the story myself. Draper has a way of explaining everything in detail and not leaving you with unanswered questions. After reading this book I will definitely be reaching for more of her books or books she recommends to her readers.
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