The Battle of Jericho (novel)
| Company type | Young adult novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Sharon M. Draper |
| Products | Novel |
The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper is a young adult novel and serves as the inaugural installment of the Jericho Trilogy. Taking place within a high school environment, the story explores themes such as peer influence, acceptance, prejudice, sexual tension, and social interactions.
Plot summary
At Frederick Douglass High School, junior Jericho Prescott, along with his cousin Josh and their friends Dana Wolfe and Kofi Freeman, commit to joining the esteemed Warriors of Distinction. Although the organization projects a community-oriented image, its leadership is tainted by corruption. Under the direction of pledge master Eddie Mahoney, the initiates endure degrading and abusive challenges, with Dana facing particularly harsh mistreatment. Despite opportunities to withdraw, Jericho and Josh continue seeking social status, culminating in a hazing event that tragically leads to Josh's demise.
Characters
- Jericho Prescott: Main character
- Josh Prescott: Cousin and close companion of Jericho
- Kofi Freeman: Friend to Jericho and boyfriend to Dana
- Arielle Gresham: Jericho’s romantic partner
- Dana Wolfe: Kofi’s girlfriend and companion to Arielle and November
- November Nelson: Josh’s girlfriend and friend to Arielle and Dana
- Eddie Mahoney: Antagonist and leader of the pledge process
- Eric Bell: Classmate of Jericho
- Mr. Tambori: Instructor of music
- Mr. Zucker: Principal of the school
- Brock Prescott: Father of Josh
- Cedric Prescott: Father of Jericho
- Geneva: Stepmother to Jericho
- Mr. Boston: Educator
- Mr. Culligan: Faculty advisor for the Warriors of Distinction
Awards
This novel has earned recognition for its portrayal of hazing, peer pressure, sexual tension, and other significant adolescent social challenges.
- 2004 Coretta Scott King Honor Book recipient
- Chosen as a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
- Named among the 2005 Young Adult Choice Books by the International Reading Association