Panic
Sharon M. Draper, Author
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, YA Fiction, March 2013
Suitable for Ages: 14 -17
Themes: Dance, Kidnapping, Sexual Predators, Sexual Abuse, Teen Dating Abuse, African-American
Opening: “Diamond knows not to talk to strangers. But just once couldn’t hurt. Right?” (Jacket Flap)
Synopsis: The Crystal Pointe Dance Academy is shaken when one of its members, 15-year-old Diamond, goes missing and no one can find her. Diamond and her best friend, Mercedes, make a trip to the mall before a dance performance to purchase tights. While Mercedes is looking around, Diamond heads to the food court to buy food so they won’t be late. A well-dressed stranger approaches Diamond and asks for directions to the food court. He tells Diamond that he’s supposed to meet his wife and daughter there. Harmless, she thinks. When Mercedes arrives minutes later, Diamond is gone.
Every other chapter is the voice of one of the main dancers, Diamond, Mercedes, Layla and Justin. There are parallel stories told as Draper alternates between Diamond’s abduction, the emotional reaction of the high school dance troupe to the situation and the every day drama of their own personal lives. There are some very important themes of relational and sexual abuse, teen dating abuse, trust, and family issues woven into the story. What holds the troupe together is their concern for Diamond and their love of music and dance. My favorite scene in the book is when the dancers are with their instructor, Miss Ginger. Each student selects a dance that fits their personality and expresses their own fear or desperation for Diamond — a beautiful and powerfully moving cathartic release.
Why I like this story: Sharon Draper has written a gripping and contemporary novel that is very real in today’s world. It is a must read for teens. Even though kids are taught at a young age not to talk to strangers, abductions continue. There is no tidy description for sexual predators. But predators have one thing in common — the ability to artfully lure a child or teenager into a web of lies and manipulations that leads to kidnapping. That is what Draper addresses in her skillfully crafted and suspenseful novel. Draper handles Diamond’s abduction scene realistically but with sensitivity. She also has a gift of getting into the minds of each character. Panic is one book readers will have difficulty putting down because it is a page turner. Hopefully teens will learn through Diamond the tragic results of taking risks with strangers. Panic is an excellent book for school libraries.
Book Giveaway: I will be giving away one copy of Panic during a random drawing on March 29. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and indicate whether you’d like to be included in the drawing. I will announce the winner on Saturday, March 30.
Sharon Draper a New York Times best-selling author has also won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent for Fears of a Tiger. She won the Coretta Scott King Literary Award for her novels Copper Sun, and Forged by Fire, and the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for The Battle of Jericho. She also was selected as a National Teacher of the Year. For more information about all the books she’s published, resources, activities, interviews and information on school visits, visit Draper’s website. I’ve also reviewed Draper’s novels, Out of My Mind, Copper Sun and Double Dutch.
Children's Books Heal 
I’ve only read one of Ms. Drapers’ books, Tears of a Tiger, but I’m already seeing several similarities. Curious about this one. Great review, Pat.
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Michelle, Sharon Draper is one of my favorite YA authors. This one is very well written. Haven’t read “Tears of a Tiger.” But plan to at some point. Glad you liked the review.
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This is a really good review. Sounds like an intriguing book about a very scary subject. I’m mostly into picture books, but I do know some teen girls who might like this one. I’ll have to tell them about it! Thanks!
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I’m glad you like the review. It is an important book for all teens — especially with the many abductions.
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Please include me in the drawing for a copy of Panic. Thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed the review. You have an unusual blog.
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I’ve read Sharon Draper’s book Out of my Mind. She really knows how to tackle tough subjects. This one does sound like a must read.
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Coleen, glad you liked the review. Yes, she does know how to tackle tough subjects. I would want a teen or young adult to read it, because even college students let their guard down. It is so hard to tell a predator in today’s world.
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This book is relevant to today’s world. It is one that should be read by every teen. I will recomment it to my teen grandchildren.
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Priscilla, the book is very relevant and I’m glad she tackled a difficult subject.
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That is a gorgeous butterfly on the cover. I’m not sure though how it relates to the subject matter.
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Michael, I think of a butterfly in terms of transformation. But, the butteryfly’s two wings are pinned so it can’t fly. Diamond was given some freedom and trust to go to the mall the day she was abducted. She lost that, as well as her youth and innocence was interrupted. It may also relate to all of the dancers who are growing through their own issues, not quite there yet. That is one question I will ask Sharon Draper.
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This one sounds like a must-read for teenage girls. It’s scary how easy it is to get lured away.
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Catherine, it is a must read for both teenagers and college students, who also let their guard down. There is no profile of an abductor, he/she could be someone you know. That’s why I ran the picture book Friday about “Scoopers” and “Panic” today. Thanks for stopping.
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There are few YA books on this topic, so I am so glad such a skilfull author as Sharon Draper has addressed it here. Interesting choice of multiple points of view.
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It is hard topic to discuss, but I’m glad she did. Sharon does take on great topics. I loved the parallel viewpoints. Really was a page turner. Glad you liked the review.
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Wow! This sounds like a powerful story. It’s so true, that we start early and continue to teach and talk about stranger danger, but the problem still persists. ….talk about changing your life in a split second…. Ugh.
Yes, I’d love to be included in the drawing!
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Genevieve, I’m so pleased you liked this important story. It’s got to be an ongoing discussion between parent and child. The risk of adduction for teenagers is really high. One wrong decision can be devestating for all involved. Thanks for stopping.
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This sound like another ‘find’ Patricia. It is such an important subject. Personally, coming form a background in dance myself, I found the name of the dance school difficult…must be a cultural thing. Lol!
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Niamh, it is an important book for teenagers. From what I can tell from the book, the author dedicated her book to Miss Crystal and the students from a special academy in Daytona Beach, FL. I wondered if that’s why she named the studio Crystal Pointe in the book.
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That makes sense.
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Sounds like a bit to old for me, but I’m sure teens would like this and understand the message (not that I don’t, just this is a good way to to talk about it).
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The subject matter isn’t too old for you Erik, but this particular book is a little old for you.
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Thanks so much for introducing me to this one Pat, I hadn’t seen it before. Wow, this book sounds like it tackles a lot of really tough subject matter but it also sounds like the author did a really good job handling it all. Great review!
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Amanda, I was hoping you’d see my review of Draper’s important book. She really can take on tough subject and write a good story.
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Would love to be included in the drawing for a free copy as well. Thanks for this opportunity!
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Thanks, Patricia, for a thorough and thoughtful review! I am working on the sequel to Panic this summer!
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Sharon, I’m pleased you like my review of your book. I can a see a sequel to this book as it is an important topic. Will look forard to your next book.
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I just wanted to thank Sharon M. Draper
Because I have gone though what Diamond went though and reading a book about it made e realize people really do care, yes it brought back some bad memorizes but it also helped a lot , Thanks so much Sharon M. Draper (love your books) 🙂
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Kaitlyn, thank you for your note. I’ll make sure that Sharon receives it. She’s such a lovely person.
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