Darkness Before Dawn

by Sharon M. Draper | Grades 9-12 | Lexile Level 670

The powerful conclusion to the Hazelwood High trilogy.

Recovering from the recent suicide of her ex-boyfriend, senior class president Keisha Montgomery finds herself attracted to a dangerous, older man.

In her senior year, things are finally looking a little brighter for Keisha. Still haunted by the suicide of her ex-boyfriend, Andy, she finds comfort in the attentions of the new track coach, twenty-three-year-old Jonathan Hathaway, the principal's son. How can Keisha not be swept off her feet by a tall, dark, handsome "lemon drop wrapped in licorice" who treats her like a woman, not a girl? But when this intoxicating relationship takes a frightening turn, and a romantic dinner at Jonathan's apartment leads to an attempted rape, Keisha must once again overcome personal trauma and try to rebuild her life.

Hazelwood High Trilogy: Tears of a Tiger, Forged By Fire, Darkness Before Dawn