Forged by Fire (novel)

Forged by Fire

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	1997
Founder	Sharon M. Draper
Products	Book

Forged by Fire is a novel in the realistic fiction genre authored by Sharon M. Draper and released in 1997 as the second book within the Hazelwood High Trilogy. It received the Coretta Scott King Award in recognition of its powerful narrative.

The story follows Gerald Nickelby, an African American boy confronting adversity after the passing of his aunt. Initially, the opening chapter appeared as a short story titled "One Small Torch" published in Ebony magazine in January 1991.

Plot summary

At three years old, Gerald Nickelby resides with his single mother, Monique. During one occasion when she leaves him unattended for several hours to visit a drug dealer, Gerald unintentionally ignites a fire using a lighter, which results in his hospitalization. Following this event, his aunt Queen assumes guardianship.

Six years later, after discovering that his mother was imprisoned for neglect, Gerald learns she remarried Jordan Sparks and has a younger half-sister named Angel. Upon Queen’s death, Gerald returns to live with Monique and soon uncovers Jordan’s abusive nature.

Jordan sexually abuses Angel; in response, Gerald seeks help from Darryl Washington—father of his friend Robert—to have Jordan incarcerated. While attending high school, Gerald plays basketball and Angel pursues dancing. After Jordan’s release from prison, he feigns rehabilitation but secretly subjects Monique to drug abuse. When Jordan tries to assault Angel during an incident triggered by a stove fire, he dies amid a confrontation with Gerald. The siblings reunite with their mother, looking forward to rebuilding their lives.

Main characters

• Gerald Nickelby - The central figure burdened by a difficult history and grappling with self-esteem issues. He is determined to safeguard his younger sister, one of his few sources of joy. Gerald excels in basketball and depends on the support of teammates and friends.
• Angel Sparks - Gerald’s younger half-sister, born while their mother was incarcerated. She suffers abuse from her father and grandmother but finds comfort in singing, dancing, and her brother’s protection. Angel offers important perspectives throughout the narrative and treasures her cat, Tiger.
• Jordan Sparks - The antagonist who is Monique’s husband; he abuses Gerald and sexually assaults Angel. After being convicted for child molestation, he returns home pretending to have changed but ultimately dies in an apartment fire.
• Monique Sparks - Gerald’s mother whose substance abuse results in neglect and mistreatment of Gerald. Following a house fire, she faces child neglect charges; her behavior changes significantly after release and an ensuing accident, complicating family relationships.

Minor characters

• Aunt Queen - The compassionate aunt who raised Gerald from ages three to nine. Though sometimes strict, she represents kindness and aids Gerald in managing his traumatic experiences. She uses a wheelchair due to arthritis.
• Robbie "Rob" Washington - Gerald’s closest friend and fellow basketball player who dies in a drunk driving-related car accident after a game night, profoundly impacting Gerald.
• Mr. Washington - Rob’s father who becomes a pillar of support for Gerald by assisting in exposing Jordan’s abuse and offering solace following Rob’s death.
• B.J. Carson - A friend of Gerald known for his passive-aggressive demeanor and karate skills developed to offset his short stature.
• Andy Jackson - Another basketball teammate involved in the fatal drunk driving crash who endures bullying and depression afterward.
• Tyrone Mills - A 17-year-old basketball player at Hazelwood High who has been friends with Andy, Gerald, Rob, and B.J. since seventh grade; he is currently dating Rhonda.