Book Descriptions
for Marked by Fire by Joyce Carol Thomas
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
As they rallied around Abby's birth in the cotton field, the townsfolk of Ponca City, Oklahoma, continue to rally for the girl who was marked to be special for them throughout her life. The strong ties of this community help Abby survive a tornado, a physical assault and the revenge of a deranged neighbor. Abby continues the circle of care and support when she learns her grandmother's gifts of medicine and in turn adds her strength to the community. (14 years and older)
CCBC Choices 1982 . © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1982. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
Fire is Warm
Abyssinia Jackson grew up under a vast Oklahoma sky shaded with pecan trees and dotted by endless rows of cotton-pickers cotton. She had the gift of song, a storyteller's talent, the love of her parents, and the affection and pride of her community.
Fire Can Burn
Then a tornado hits and drives Abby's family apart. A deranged neighbor targets her for a campaign of vengeful terror. And a vicious physical assault all but breaks her will.
Marked by Fire
In a triumphant story of faith and fortitude, Abby emerges clearly as a young woman who faces pain and joy with the dignity of her heritage and the determination of spirit.
Joyce Carol Thomas’s beautifully written first novel, a 1983 National Book Award winner, remains as poignant and moving today as it was 25 years ago when it was first published.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.