Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of courage, identity, and resilience, capturing the hearts of young readers everywhere—meet Sharon M. Draper! This American author and educator has penned novels that tackle tough topics with wit and warmth, earning her a cherished spot in children’s and young adult literature. From her breakout novel to her inspiring teaching career, Draper’s journey is a testament to the power of words.
The Making of Sharon M. Draper
Born on August 21, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, Sharon Mills Draper grew up in a home brimming with books. Her parents, Victor and Catherine Mills, instilled a love of learning, reading bedtime stories that sparked her imagination. A self-proclaimed bookworm, Sharon devoured every children’s book in her local library by age eleven, earning a special card to check out adult titles. She pursued English at Pepperdine University, later earning a Master’s from Miami University of Ohio. Teaching was her first calling—she taught high school English for 25 years, even earning the 1997 National Teacher of the Year award. Her writing career began unexpectedly in 1990 when a student challenged her to enter a short story contest. Her story, 'One Small Torch,' won first prize, igniting her path as an author.
Sharon M. Draper’s Unforgettable Stories
Draper’s novels are known for their emotional depth, tackling complex themes like racism, disability, and grief with accessibility and grace. Her debut, Tears of a Tiger (1994), follows a teen grappling with guilt after a fatal car accident, earning the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award. Out of My Mind (2010), a New York Times bestseller, tells the story of Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak, resonating with readers worldwide for its empathy and insight. Copper Sun (2006), a historical novel about a young girl’s journey through slavery, won the Coretta Scott King Award for its unflinching yet hopeful narrative. The Clubhouse Mysteries series, featuring young detectives, showcases her knack for crafting engaging, relatable stories for younger readers. Draper’s style blends vivid characters, realistic dialogue, and a touch of humor, making tough topics approachable.
Her ability to weave serious themes into compelling stories stems from her teaching experience. She writes for young people facing real-world challenges, ensuring her characters’ voices ring true. Whether exploring interracial relationships in Romiette and Julio or identity in Blended, Draper’s work invites readers to confront hard truths while finding hope.
Why Sharon M. Draper Matters
Sharon M. Draper’s impact extends beyond her books. As a five-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and a New York Times bestselling author, she’s elevated African-American experiences in literature, giving voice to underrepresented stories. Her novels are taught in classrooms, sparking discussions on empathy, diversity, and resilience. As an educator, she’s inspired countless students, and her global speaking engagements continue to champion literacy and education. Draper’s legacy lies in her ability to make readers feel seen, encouraging them to dream big, just as she does.
- Born: August 21, 1948, Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: Tears of a Tiger, Out of My Mind, Copper Sun, Clubhouse Mysteries
- Awards: National Teacher of the Year (1997), Coretta Scott King Awards, Margaret A. Edwards Award
Snag Out of My Mind and dive into Sharon M. Draper’s heartfelt world of stories that challenge, uplift, and inspire!