Historical Fiction - Slavery

Historical fiction provides readers with a two-for-one deal: you read a captivating and interesting story, while also learning about an important historical topic. The genre can also work to spark students’ interest in certain historical events and encourage them to research more. Looking at the particular importance of slavery and African American historical fiction novels for young adults, it’s easy to see why it is a vital genre in the libraries of middle and high schools. We cannot look at our nations history without addressing the blaring significance of slavery. It was a horrible part of our past, but one that still resonates within our society, as evident in the modern “Black Lives Matter” movement. The history of our nation’s racism and discrimination towards African Americans can be traced back to the origins of slavery. Historical fiction on this topic is a way for students to time travel and see what the experience of those living in the time of slavery. It is one thing to read a history text about the facts on this infamous era in our country, but I would say that in order for students to really grasp the intensity of the situation they need to be engulfed in the experience. Historical fiction does just that—it takes a story based on actual events and provides a narrative that allows present day students to connect with the history. Students are able to build this connection with players in slave stories allows modern day readers to build a deeper understanding on slavery.

Cape Coast Castle

Copper Sun came to life after Sharon Draper travelled to Ghana and visited the Cape Coast Castle. One of the major hubs for the slave trade, this castle was where thousands of slaves departed their home continent through the "Door of No Return" and were sent to work in the United States. Draper spent years after this experience researching the experience of slaves that endured the experience of the slave trade, recounting stories and facts to give birth to the character of Amari. 

What is special about Copper Sun's roll in historical fiction novels on slavery is that it chronicles a story that begins from the very origin. We don't just get Amari's experience on the slave ship or at the Derby plantation, but rather we are given the whole picture from her kidnapping in Africa all the way to her journey to freedom in America. 

Not only do we get a full picture of the slave experience through the eyes of Amari, but Draper provides a unique look into the life of indentured servitude through Polly's perspective. It is a roll not often discussed in slave novels, mostly because indentured servants were white and given the chance at freedom, therefore not having to indure the hardships that slaves did. While many Africans were originally transported to the US to become indentured servants, owners found it easier to simply enslave them, something that could not be done with Europeans or other white people. However, Copper Sun shows us how indentured servants were not immuned to abuse, and while Polly had the chance to earn freedom eventually, she sacrificed this to help Amari escape to freedom.