Ebony literary contest winner tackles tough issues facing youth in novels

It started as a dare. Sharon M. Draper, a Cincinnati English teacher, was challenged by one of her high school pupils to enter a writing contest. Draper had spent her career helping students develop their writing chops, but she had a serious case of writer's block when it came to putting her own words on paper.

That was until the dare. Draper rose to the challenge and her first short story, One Small Torch, was born. Her tale about child abuse was sparked after she saw a mother yelling at her small son in a grocery store. The teacher then entered the short story in EBONY magazine's annual Gertrude Johnson Williams Literary Contest in 1990 and beat more than 4,000 aspiring writers for the $5,000 first prize. Fueled by her win, she embarked on a new career--author.

More than a decade later, Draper has penned more than 13 books and has won numerous literary awards, including two American Library Association Coretta Scott King Genesis Awards. She was named 1997 National Teacher of the Year and her books are required reading in schools across the nation.

"We don't live in a world of sugar plum fairies and happily ever after," says Draper, whose novels for youth deal with child abuse, sex, drinking, date rape, gangs and suicide. Her latest novel, The Battle of Jericho (Simon & Schuster), focuses on high school hazing.

"I write about these things because, unfortunately, those are the realities of life for many teenagers today. I hope to say something that will change their lives for the better."

Indeed, Draper's stories have changed lives. They not only have been lauded by parents and educators for their ability to inspire young people to read, but also have touched young readers' hearts. And Draper has the fan mail to prove it.

"I had a student tell me she called the child abuse hotline in the back of Forged by Fire," Draper recalls. "She wrote me to thank me for saving her life. Another student wrote that he was depressed and thinking of taking his life, but after reading Tears of a Tiger, he decided to live."

Although the wife and mother is now retired from teaching after more than 30 years in the classroom, inspiring students remains her passion.

"I try to write powerful, meaningful stories for young people and show them I understand the difficulties of growing up," Draper says. "And to let them know I care."