Other editions of book Dark Sons

A guy whose father ripped his heart out too.You and me, Ishmael, we’re brothers, two dark sons. Destroyed, lost, and isolated, the perspectives of two teenage boys—modern-day Sam, and biblical Ishmael—unite over millennia to illustrate the power of forgiveness.“Grimes's commanding metaphors ("Look at you, mother,/ trembling,/ a bowshot away,/ your tears/ the only water/ for miles," says the exiled Ishmael), authoritative style, and complex characterizations are uniquely compelling.” —Publisher’s Weekly starred review“The simple words eloquently reveal what it's like to miss someone … 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 … will speak to a wide audience." —Booklist starred review

A guy whose father ripped his heart out too. Me and you, Ishmael, we’re brothers, two dark sons. Betrayed, lost, and isolated, the perspectives of two teenage boys—modern-day Sam and biblical Ishmael—unite over millennia to illustrate the power of forgiveness. “Both lyrical and powerful, Grimes’ unusual novel is a meditation on faith and father-son relationships . . . Grimes’ commanding metaphors, authoritative style, and complex characterizations are uniquely compelling.” —Publisher’s Weekly, starred review “The elemental connections and the hop (“You made it in the end and so will I”) will speak to a wide audience.” —Booklist, starred review

In this winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor, bestselling and award-winning author Nikki Grimes uses free-verse poetry to powerfully tell the story of two boys, living in different times and lands, who both struggle with their faith as they watch their families fall apart. Sam’s father was always a strong Christian, and so when his dad leaves Sam and his mom for another woman, and then announces his new wife is pregnant, Sam feels abandoned—even by God. Ishmael knows he’s the first son of Abraham, and feels cherished by his father because of this position. But when visitors tell Abraham and his cruel wife, Sarah, that the real promised child will arrive soon, Ishmael is worried—and when Isaac arrives, Abraham becomes distant. Even Abraham’s God seems to be leaving Ishmael behind.Sam and Ishmael’s stories and strong poetic voices connect to create a powerful narrative structure in Grimes’ story of faith, heartache, and forgiveness.

Sam can't believe it when his father leaves the family to marry another woman-and a white woman, at that. The betrayal cuts deep-Sam had been so close to his dad, and idolized him. Now who can he turn to, who can he trust? Even God seems to have ditched him. Ishmael is his father's first son, the heir, his favorite. But when his father is visited by mysterious strangers who claim that Abraham's wife, Sarah, will finally give birth to a son, Ishmael is worried. And when baby Isaac arrives, Ishmael becomes more isolated from his father. Could Abraham's God, who had spoken to Ishmael's mother, to whom he has made countless sacrifices, now betray him in favor of this new son?

A guy whose father ripped his heart out too. Me and you, Ishmael, we're brothers, two dark sons. Betrayed, lost, and isolated, the perspectives of two teenage boys---modern-day Sam and biblical Ishmael---unite over millennia to illustrate the power of forgiveness. 'Both lyrical and powerful, Grimes' unusual novel is a meditation on faith and father-son relationships . . . Grimes' commanding metaphors, authoritative style, and complex characterizations are uniquely compelling.' ---Publisher's Weekly, starred review 'The elemental connections and the hop ('You made it in the end and so will I') will speak to a wide audience.' ---Booklist, starred review

Sam can't believe it when his father leaves the family to marry another woman-and a white woman, at that. The betrayal cuts deep-Sam had been so close to his dad, and idolized him. Now who can he turn to, who can he trust? Even God seems to have ditched him. Ishmael is his father's first son, the heir, his favorite. But when his father is visited by mysterious strangers who claim that Abraham's wife, Sarah, will finally give birth to a son, Ishmael is worried. And when baby Isaac arrives, Ishmael becomes more isolated from his father. Could Abraham's God, who had spoken to Ishmael's mother, to whom he has made countless sacrifices, now betray him in favor of this new son?