Dark Sons

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. Dark Sons. 2005. New York, NY: Hyperion Books ISBN #:0-7868-1888-3

Critical Analysis

Nikki Grimes poetically tells the story of Abraham and Ishmael making it relevant to today's young adults by juxtaposing it with the modern story of Sam, a teenager dealing with the divorce of his parents, the stress of a new stepmother and the jealousy of a new baby brother. Ishmael's story is told so convincingly from a teen's point of view that many readers won't even know they're reading a Bible story until they are half way through. 

Ishmael's faith in God pushes him through his familial trials, though sometimes he questions Him and even gets angry with Him. Sam does the same as he deals with his new family life. This faith and their similar situation bridges the time gap between the two young men and by the end of the book the reader strongly feels their connection as "brothers, two dark sons." 

Emotions run deep throughout the book and both characters show young readers that frustration, anger, doubt, confusion and jealousy are all natural feelings, while also showing that you can overcome them to better yourself and your situation. Even readers who are not religious can find the plot of Dark Sons intriguing, the poetry well written and the emotions genuine. Dark Sons is a great read for grades 6 and up. 

Book Group Discussion Questions

1. Sam and Ishmael have a lot in common despite living in two different times. What are some of the similarities between their situations?

2. What about between their personalities?

3. What are some similarities between Sam's mother and Ishmael's mother? What about their fathers?

4. How do you think the stories would be told if narrated through Sam and Ishmael's little brothers?

5. What do you think Sam's relationship with his brother will be like when they are older?

External Assessments

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. "Why does he have to run off? / To start some new family? / With her?" Teen-age Sam can barely contain his fury and hurt when his father gets married again, this time to a young white woman, who gives Sam a new baby brother. In a parallel, first-person narrative that draws on Genesis, young Ishmael and his mother, Hagar, rejected by Abraham, wander in the desert, after Sarah bears Abraham's child. Grimes' clear, free verse speaks with immediacy and lyricism about both boys' feelings of betrayal and loss. The real focus, though, is on Sam, who complains to his high-school friends ("It's my stepmom, man. / My dad wants me / to give her a chance / But I can't") and talks to and screams at God--until he's able to ask God to help him let his anger go. The simple words eloquently reveal what it's like to miss someone ("I've stopped expecting / his shadow in the hallway / his frame in the doorway"), but even more moving is the struggle to forgive and the affection each boy feels for the baby that displaces him. The elemental connections and the hope ("You made it / in the end / and so will I") will speak to a wide audience."-Hazel Rochman, Booklist