The Battle of Jericho (novel) explained

Author:Sharon M. Draper
Country:United States
Language:English
Series:Jericho Trilogy
Genre:Realistic fiction
Publisher:Atheneum Books
Pub Date:January 28, 2003
Media Type:Print
Pages:352
Isbn:0-689-84232-5
Followed By:November Blues

The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper is a young adult novel. It's the first book in the Jericho Trilogy. The book is set in high school and deals with the issues of peer pressure, acceptance, discrimination, sexual tension, and social interaction.[1] [2] [3]

Plot summary

The story takes place at Frederick Douglass High School. Junior Jericho Prescott and his cousin Josh, along with their friends Dana Wolfe and Kofi Freeman, decide to pledge for one of the most popular and prestigious organizations at school, the Warriors of Distinction. While the "Warriors" seem to be an upstanding organization that does a lot for the community, their governing is far more corrupt and plagued. Eddie Mahoney, the pledge master, sends the group through unnecessarily cruel tricks and task to humiliate and degrade them as they pledge for membership. From eating worms to being paddled, Dana receives the most harassment which crosses the line of sexual harassment. While they have the opportunity to quit, Josh and Jericho choose popularity and peer acceptance and it ends in a hazing accident gone wrong which cost Josh's life.

Characters

Awards

This book has been critically acclaimed for tackling the issues of hazing, peer-pressure, sexual tension, and other social teen issues.[4] [5]

Notes and References

  1. News: Knippenberg. Jim. Teens Caught in 'Battle of Jericho' Hazing Tale Shows Former Teacher Knows How Students Think. Cincinnati Enquirer. 2003-10-28.
  2. Baer. Allison. Jacquline, Glasgow . Take The Bullies To Task: Using Process Drama To Make A Stand. English Journal. July 2008. 97. 6. 79–86.
  3. Hinto. Kaavonia. Author Profile: Sharon M. Draper. Library Media Connection. October 2008. 42–43.
  4. News: The Battle of Jericho . Publishers Weekly.
  5. Web site: Sharon M. Draper. Simon & Schuster. 2013-03-29.
  6. Web site: Draper. Sharon. Reviews and Rewards. Official Site of Sharon Draper. 3 April 2013.