Darkness Before Dawn
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Sharon M. Draper |
| Products | Young adult novel |
Darkness Before Dawn is a contemporary young adult novel authored by Sharon M. Draper and released in 2001. Serving as the concluding installment of the Hazelwood High Trilogy, it centers on Keisha Montgomery, an eighteen-year-old African American senior, and her involvement with Jonathan Hathaway, a twenty-three-year-old coach for the track team.
Plot summary
Following the tragic suicide of her former boyfriend Andy, Keisha Montgomery embarks on a journey of healing. Encouraged by her family and friends, she becomes a member of the track team, where she encounters Jonathan Hathaway, who is also the son of the school principal. After an altercation involving another student named Rita, who vanishes after a confrontation with Jonathan, Keisha and Jonathan begin a romantic relationship despite her parents’ objections due to his age.
Keisha continues to see Jonathan in secret, even after receiving cautionary advice from friends and Leon Hawkins, who harbors feelings for her. At a Valentine's dance, Jonathan attempts to coerce Keisha into a sexual act; when she resists, he menaces her with a knife. Keisha manages to escape by injuring Jonathan and finds shelter with Edna, a homeless woman who assists her in contacting her parents.
Keisha admits the truth to her parents and initially stays away from school out of embarrassment. Rita reappears later, disclosing that she endured similar abuse but was unable to flee. Jonathan steps down from his position as principal and faces legal action brought by other victims, ultimately receiving a thirty-year prison sentence. With Jonathan behind bars, Keisha returns to school and graduates alongside her classmates.
Characters
- Keisha Montgomery – the main character coping with the aftermath of Andy’s suicide; later becomes a victim of Jonathan Hathaway’s assault.
- Jalani – a new student from New York who develops close bonds with Keisha and Rhonda; interested in Gerald.
- Rhonda – Keisha’s closest friend who offers unwavering support; dating Tyrone.
- Tyrone – Rhonda’s boyfriend and trusted friend.
- B.J. Carson – Tyrone’s best friend with aspirations of becoming a preacher.
- Gerald – a friend of Keisha’s who shows romantic interest in Jalani.
- Angel – Gerald’s younger sister; a freshman dancer facing challenges with nutrition.
- Kiara Joyelle Leila Victoria Washington – sister to Rob Washington and Angel’s closest friend; adopted the name Joyelle following Andy’s funeral.
- Monty – Andy’s seven-year-old brother who is affected by his sibling’s death but remains involved with Keisha’s circle.
- Leon Hawkins – a mischievous classmate of Keisha’s who secretly loves her.
- Rita Bronson – member of the track team who suffers an attack by Jonathan Hathaway and disappears afterward.
- Jonathan Hathaway – twenty-three-year-old track coach and son of the principal; initially appealing to Keisha but ultimately commits assault against her.
Reception
- Recognized in 2002 as one of the Young Adult Library Services Association’s Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Kirkus Reviews characterized the trilogy as an effort to address high-school issues pertinent to African-American teenagers but noted its lack of innovation within the genre.