Sharon Draper Quotes

Powerful Sharon Draper for Daily Growth

About Sharon Draper

Sharon M. Draper is an acclaimed American author whose works primarily revolve around the themes of family, identity, and personal growth, often focusing on African-American characters and experiences. Born on November 18, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, Draper was one of nine children in a working-class family. Her love for reading began at an early age, fueled by the accessibility of the public library system in her neighborhood. Draper's formal writing career began while she was still a high school teacher in the 1980s. She wrote short stories and poems, many of which were published in various literary magazines. However, it wasn't until the late '80s that she decided to pursue writing full-time. Her first major work, "Tears of a Tiger" (1994), was a semi-autobiographical novel about growing up in a large family during the Civil Rights era. The book received critical acclaim and was followed by several other successful novels, including "Forged by Fire" (1996) and "Darkness Before Dawn" (1997). Draper's most notable work, "Copper Sun" (2004), is a historical novel that tells the story of two sisters separated by slavery. This book was a National Book Award Finalist and won several other prestigious awards. In 2010, Draper published "Out of My Mind," a novel about a non-verbal autistic girl named Melody, who has a brilliant mind but can't communicate it to the world. The book was a New York Times Best Seller and won numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award for an African American author writing for young readers. Draper continues to write powerful and impactful novels that resonate with readers of all ages. Her works are celebrated for their realistic depictions of complex characters, engaging narratives, and thought-provoking themes.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I have learned that if you must leave a room for any reason, it is best to do so quickly and with dignity. Take the high road."

This quote by Sharon Draper emphasizes the importance of grace under pressure and maintaining one's composure in challenging situations. When leaving a situation or place, it is recommended to exit swiftly yet with dignity, demonstrating maturity and poise rather than causing unnecessary drama or embarrassment. The "high road" refers to choosing the more ethical or respectful path in life, even when faced with adversity or temptation to behave otherwise. This quote encourages us to remain composed and dignified amidst difficulties, fostering a positive image of ourselves and inspiring respect from others.

"Books open up new worlds, take you to different places, help you imagine and dream."

This quote by Sharon Draper emphasizes the transformative power of books. They serve as windows into diverse experiences, transporting readers to various settings, stimulating imagination, and fostering dreams. Essentially, reading allows us to explore worlds beyond our own, expand our horizons, and cultivate a rich inner life.

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been something I'd come to hate that gave me everything I have: family."

The quote suggests that despite the challenges or hardships endured over the course of one's life, family remains a consistent and significant source of strength and support. It underscores the idea that although family may at times be a cause of frustration or resentment, it ultimately provides us with everything meaningful in life.

"I think what they don't understand is this: if you can read a book, you can survive anything."

This quote by Sharon Draper emphasizes the profound power of literacy in fostering resilience and overcoming adversity. Reading a book not only exposes individuals to different worlds, ideas, and experiences but also equips them with critical thinking skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. These cognitive and emotional tools can help an individual navigate through life's challenges more effectively, thereby enhancing their overall ability to "survive." In essence, learning to read and understand books empowers people to face and conquer life's obstacles with strength and determination.

"Sometimes, love isn't enough. Sometimes, the world just gets in the way."

This quote suggests that while love can be a powerful force, it may not always be sufficient to overcome external challenges and obstacles that life presents. The "world" here refers to societal, economic, political, or personal circumstances that can create barriers even for strong relationships. It underscores the reality that love requires more than just emotion; it needs understanding, patience, resilience, and sometimes, the ability to navigate through adversity to remain strong.

Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It's the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.

- Sharon Draper

Happy, Little Things, Giggle, Events

With the 'Hazelwood High' trilogy, I wasn't sure I was writing a trilogy. I would just write one book, then another, and then another, because the young adults who wrote me told me that they wanted to read more.

- Sharon Draper

Book, Young, Another, Trilogy

I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer. Come dream with me.

- Sharon Draper

Through, Dreamer, Always, Dreamers

Writing, for me, is a very fluid process. I sit down and wait for the words to come. They usually do - in buckets and waves. I look upon it as a blessing because the words come so easily.

- Sharon Draper

Waves, Process, Very, Blessing

I believe I'm a better writer now than I was when I started. I'm grateful that I had good guidance because you don't make it in this business without good editors and a lot of support from your publishers.

- Sharon Draper

Believe, Had, Better Writer, Editors

A good book ought to bring out lots of different responses from those that read it - none of them pre-planned, and all of them very personal. Whatever they take away from the reading of the book is valuable.

- Sharon Draper

Away, Very, Read, Ought

I start with an idea or a problem or a conflict, or even a situation that might be pertinent to the lives of young people, then the characters grow from that point. I try to make strong characters that change and develop and learn from their mistakes.

- Sharon Draper

Strong, Young, Idea, Conflict

I do research for every single book, regardless. For 'Double Dutch,' I learned to jump and learned the scoring system. For 'November Blues,' I interviewed pregnant teens. I like to get up close and personal with the kids involved in the situations I write about.

- Sharon Draper

Book, I Write, November, Pregnant

I worked at Sears as a salesperson when I was in college. Makes me nicer to folks to have to stand all day and be nice to picky people.

- Sharon Draper

College, Makes, Picky, Folks

I'd love to dance with grace and style, to move as easily as I write.

- Sharon Draper

Love, Move, I Write, Grace

I try to give a voice to teens, who might be afraid to speak up about difficult issues, and a platform for parents and teachers to have frank, meaningful discussions with those young people.

- Sharon Draper

Voice, Give, Frank, Meaningful

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