Do you need to read the first two books to understand this one?

Technically no, but the emotional weight of Keisha's character depends on knowing what happened in Tears of a Tiger. It's a much better experience if you read them in order.

How explicit is the predatory relationship?

It's more psychological than graphic. The tension comes from the power imbalance and the coach's manipulation, though there is a physically aggressive encounter near the end that is quite intense.

Is this book too depressing for a teen already struggling with mood?

It might be. The book doesn't shy away from the darkness of suicide and betrayal. If your teen is in a fragile place, you might want to read it alongside them or choose something with a lighter tone.

Why is this book often found in school libraries if it's so dark?

Because it's a 'teaching book.' It handles serious social issues in a way that sparks necessary classroom conversations about safety and boundaries.

Darkness Before Dawn – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Darkness Before Dawn

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2011

76%

WISE Score

A gritty, necessary reality check on grooming and grief that wraps up the Hazelwood High trilogy.

Darkness Before Dawn

book

2011

76%

WISE Score

A gritty, necessary reality check on grooming and grief that wraps up the Hazelwood High trilogy.

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid has been working their way through the Hazelwood High books, this is the mandatory finish line. It's not a 'fun' read, but it's a vital one. It tackles the specific kind of danger that looks like a charming track coach rather than a monster in an alley.

It’s a bit dated—you can tell it was written in the era of early 2010s YA—but the psychological dynamics of grooming haven't changed. It’s a fast read that hits like a ton of bricks, making it perfect for kids who usually find 'required reading' boring.

Age Fit

This is strictly for the high school crowd (14+). The themes of grooming and the trauma of a boyfriend's suicide are too heavy for middle schoolers, but it's essential reading for older teens navigating the dating world.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It deals with heavy emotional recovery and the messy reality of high school trauma. While it models resilience, the central relationship is intentionally toxic and manipulative.

Imaginative

Solid realistic fiction that captures the internal monologue of a grieving teen well, though it sticks strictly to established YA tropes of the early 2010s.

Safe

The plot centers on grooming and a predatory relationship with an adult authority figure. It's handled responsibly for the age group, but it is intense and potentially triggering.

Enriching

Excellent for developing empathy and situational awareness regarding predatory behavior. Sharon M. Draper is a master at making these 'after-school special' topics feel like real life.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Real-world stakes that teach teens how to spot the red flags of a 'too good to be true' older guy.
Emotional closure for readers who have followed the Hazelwood High series and Keisha's journey through Andy's suicide.
Sharon M. Draper's writing is punchy, accessible, and doesn't talk down to her audience.

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What to Watch For

The villain is a 23-year-old track coach who uses his status to isolate and manipulate a 17-year-old girl.
Significant focus on the aftermath of suicide, which might be heavy for kids currently struggling with mental health.
A scene involving a frightening physical confrontation that serves as the book's climax.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Jonathan's 'lemon drop wrapped in licorice' vibe was so effective on Keisha?"
"At what point did the relationship stop feeling like a 'cool older guy' thing and start feeling dangerous?"
"How does the school community's perception of the principal's son make it harder for Keisha to speak up?"

Deep Dive

The Draper Legacy

Sharon M. Draper has a knack for writing books that librarians love and 'reluctant readers' actually finish. Darkness Before Dawn concludes the trilogy that started with Tears of a Tiger, and while that book focused on the immediate fallout of a tragedy, this one focuses on the long-term vulnerability that tragedy leaves behind.

The 'Nice Guy' Trap

What makes this book work is Jonathan Hathaway. He isn't a cartoon villain. He’s the principal’s son, he’s handsome, and he’s successful. The book does a great job of showing how predators use social capital to silence their victims. Keisha feels lucky to be chosen by him, which is exactly how grooming works.

For a parent, this is a great 'bridge' book. It’s a way to talk about consent, power dynamics, and trusting your gut without it feeling like a lecture. It’s also a solid look at how grief isn't a straight line; Keisha is still dealing with Andy's death years later, and that’s a realistic depiction of trauma you don't always see in YA.

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