Draper, Sharon M.: *1952

Copper Sun, 2006 - Thematic Parallels: Slavery

Draper, Sharon M.: Copper Sun, 2006
This is a powerful historical fiction novel that gives a voice to the enslaved, shedding light on the pain, courage, and dignity of those who endured one of history’s darkest periods.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Angelou, Maya: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969, ~290pp
  Angelou’s memoir is rooted in the African-American experience, dealing with racism, trauma, survival, and self-empowerment. It addresses the legacy of slavery and the struggle for dignity amid dehumanizing conditions.
  - Both works expose the systemic oppression faced by Black people and emphasize the psychological and emotional toll of racism. The protagonists endure extreme hardship, trauma, and displacement, which ultimately contribute to their resilience and self-discovery.
- D'Aguiar, Fred: Feeding the Ghosts, 1997, ~130pp
  The novels centers on slavery, resistance, memory, and survival. It is based on the historical incident aboard the slave ship Zong in 1781, where over 130 enslaved Africans were thrown overboard so the ship’s owners could claim insurance on their lost cargo.
  - Both central characters are strong African women who resist oppression in their own ways—through memory, endurance, and action. Both novelsaim to educate readers about the true history and legacy of slavery through emotional, character-driven narratives.
- Kidd, Sue Monk: The Invention of Wings, 2014, ~430pp
  Inspired by real historical figures, this novel explores American slavery and the lives of enslaved people in early 19th-century South Carolina. Themes of captivity, struggle for freedom, and crossing boundaries between master and slave are central.
  - Both novels give voice to enslaved Black women, portraying their suffering, resilience, and longing for freedom. They humanize the brutality of slavery through deeply personal experiences. They serve as narrative tools for teaching history making the horrors of slavery tangible and relatable.
- Thomas, Angie: The Hate U Give, 2017, ~440pp
  The novel deals about contemporary issues around racism, police violence, and African American identity.
  - Both novels depict how Black individuals suffer under racially oppressive systems—whether it's slavery ("Copper Sun") or modern institutional racism ("The Hate U Give"). Both characters experience deep trauma that forces them to reevaluate their world and find strength in the face of profound grief.
List of general discussion questions on Slavery (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Slavery (pdf)