Fire From the Rock by Sharon M. Draper

Before you read this whole book review, let me tell you one thing. If all you ever read is fantasy stories, you might as well stop reading right now. However, if you like to gather background information while being entertained, pay attention. This well written piece of historical fiction written by Sharon M. Draper is about a teen aged girl living in Little Rock, Arkansas during the time in which school integration was being introduced. This was in 1957. Now, obviously, the girl and her family are fiction. However, there are events and actions in the book which are based on true events that transpired back when this takes place. In other words, it tells an educational story in a way that will keep you interested, and not dozing off every time you turn a page.

Sylvia Faye Patterson is an average schoolgirl who gets exceptionally good grades, and, being black, is discriminated by local residents who still have no respect for African Americans. Interestingly, with her dad being a preacher, she turns out to be a really good hearted person who deals with the horrific insults very well. Also, she happens to be really good friends with a white Jewish girl named Rachel. Unfortunately, Rachel is also picked on because of her religion. As expected, these girls go to separate schools because of their race. However, Sylvia is soon asked to be one of the first blacks to integrate to Central High School. She accepts the offer. But after an unexpected series of events, realizations, and discussions, Sylvia decides to withdraw her name from the list.

Later, she finds out it was a good thing she did decide to withdraw her name. This is because the nine that were still going to Central were getting harassed, teased, call names, and flat out denied entrance to the school. After much more drama involving troops, mobs, and police, the nine end up making history by permanently integrating into the school for whites. And although Sylvia was not one of them, she plays many important roles in changing history as well.

Now, as far as writing and theme goes, I thought the author did excellent at giving a good storyline, and keeping you flipping pages. However, I felt that she could have characterized and described people and places a little better. That way, you can visualize the story much better, and it is just a vital key in the process of writing a story. But, as I mentioned before, the author's storyline and themes partially made up for the lack of characterization she gives as the people are introduced. Also, the theme definitely played a vital part in the story for the reader's sake. It teaches you that although you should not give up on something, you need to follow your heart, and let God lead the way. In other words, do what's right, even if it means going in another direction.

Overall, I give this book a B+ for reasons which I stated in the previous paragraph. However, I would still recommend this to most of you out there. It a good educational read, but it keeps you interested throughout the book as well. It's got good characters, good information, a good story, and a great theme. Now, if you are reading this, then you stays entertained throughout the whole book review. In that case, you should go read this book today, it's a very good read, and teaches you a valuable lesson.