Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper receives a mix of praise and criticism. Readers commend its realistic portrayal of complex teen issues and strong character development. However, some feel the plot is predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's seen as a compelling yet sometimes challenging read that effectively addresses serious themes.

Fans of contemporary young adult fiction tackling real-life issues will appreciate Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper. Similar to novels like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, it engages readers with its intense, emotive exploration of identity, trauma, and resilience.

Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper follows high school senior Keisha Montgomery as she navigates the aftermath of her boyfriend's suicide and faces new challenges, including threat from a manipulative student-teacher, while drawing on her friendships and family support to cope and grow. The book addresses themes such as loss, trauma, and recovery for teenagers. This novel contains the sensitive topic of date rape.

Emotional / Dark / Inspirational / Unnerving / Heartwarming

**Keisha Montgomery**  
An 18-year-old high school student from Hazelwood High in Cincinnati who is determined to become a doctor, grappling with personal loss while navigating her transition from adolescence to adulthood. She is admired for her intelligence and popular presence at school.  

**Jonathan Hathaway**  
A 23-year-old athletic coach and son of the principal at Hazelwood High, who is known for his charm and worldly experiences, engaging Keisha with his conversations about philosophy and art. Despite his appealing facade, his true intentions are more complex.  

**Leon Hawkins**  
A senior at Hazelwood High known for his humor and light-hearted antics, who harbors a longstanding affection for Keisha. He demonstrates friendship and support through both his actions and deeper personality.  

**Edna**  
A resilient woman living on the streets of Cincinnati who possesses a strong sense of freedom and self-sufficiency, offering practical wisdom and assistance to those around her. She interacts with Keisha under unexpected circumstances.

Sharon M. Draper

Middle grade

Novel

Hazelwood High

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Darkness Before Dawn and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Darkness Before Dawn Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Darkness Before Dawn Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

Darkness Before Dawn Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

Darkness Before Dawn Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 17-22 and Epilogue

Darkness Before Dawn Chapter 17-22 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Darkness Before Dawn Character Analysis

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Themes

Darkness Before Dawn Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Darkness Before Dawn Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Darkness Before Dawn Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Darkness Before Dawn Essay Topics

Darkness Before Dawn

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Darkness Before Dawn?

Reading Age

Book Details