Dark Sons

Dark Sons
By Nikki Grimes
Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children, 2005. 216 pgs. Young Adult

This book alternates between Ishmael and Sam. Ishmael, son of Abraham, who for many years has been his father's only son, and while Sarah, Abraham's wife, isn't fond of him or his mother, Hagar, Abraham's concubine. However, Sarah's pregnancy means Ishmael's entire world is changing. Sam, a contemporary African American teen, is facing family changes of his own: his father, who has always idolized, has run out on his mother and now intends to marry his white mistress. Both Sam and Ishmael have to figure out what relationship they will have with their fathers, as well as reexamine their relationships with God.

A Coretta Scott King Honor Book and YALSA Best Books for Young Adults Choice, this novel in verse is superb. The boys' struggles are heart-wrenching and the writing is lyrical. This wonderful story about faith, hope, and family is one I highly recommend.

AE