Rite of Passage
Rite of Passage by Richard Wright, published by Harper Collins on December 19, 1995, is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old boy. In this edition, spanning 160 pages, readers are introduced to Johnny Gibbs, whose life is upended when he discovers that the family he has always known is not his biological family. Faced with the reality of being sent to a new foster home, Johnny’s world collapses, prompting him to flee and navigate the harsh realities of life on the streets.
As Johnny grapples with his newfound circumstances, the narrative delves into themes of social issues and the challenges faced by African American youth in the United States. The story captures his transformation as he encounters striking characters and experiences the complexities of urban life, including theft and survival. Richard Wright’s writing remains impactful, offering a vivid portrayal of a young man’s journey from innocence to the stark realities of adulthood. This edition serves as a gateway for a new generation to engage with Wright’s literary voice and the enduring themes of his work.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Johnny, you’re leaving us tonight . . . “
Fifteen-year-old Johnny Gibbs does, well in school, respects his teachers, and loves his family. Then suddenly, with a few short words, his idyllic life is shattered. He learns that the family he has loved all his life is not his own, but a foster family. And now he is being sent to live with someone else.
Shocked by the news, Johnny does the only thing he can think of: he runs. Leaving his childhood behind forever, Johnny takes to the streets where he learns about living life–the hard way.
Richard Wright, internationally acclaimed author of Black Boy and Native Son, gives us a coming-of-age story as compelling today as when it was first written, over fifty years ago.
‘Johnny Gibbs arrives home jubilantly one day with his straight ‘A’ report card to find his belongings packed and his mother and sister distraught. Devastated when they tell him that he is not their blood relative and that he is being sent to a new foster home, he runs away. His secure world quickly shatters into a nightmare of subways, dark alleys, theft and street warfare. . . . Striking characters, vivid dialogue, dramatic descriptions, and enduring themes introduce a enw generation of readers to Wright’s powerful voice.’—SLJ.
Notable 1995 Children’s Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
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