logo

71 pages 2 hours read

Sharon M. Draper

November Blues

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Important Quotes

Quotation Mark Icon

“Isn’t having a boyfriend just what happens in high school—like doing math homework or going to dances or buying new shoes?”


(Chapter 2, Page 6)

Here, Draper foregrounds a common misconception that having a relationship in high school is a natural occurrence with no particular consequences. It becomes clear that before getting pregnant,November didn’t associate love with responsibility, and, like many of her peers, just followed her feelings. The author uses November’s example to demonstrate that even something as harmless as dating can have consequences that can change the whole trajectory of one’s life.

Quotation Mark Icon

“‘You can’t blame yourself, Jericho,’ Mr. Tambori said, kindness and patience in his voice. But Jericho didn’t want kindness. ‘Then who, Mr. T?’ demanded Jericho. ‘I told him to jump. I cheered him on, then stood there like a fool and watched him die. I will never forgive myself.’”


(Chapter 5, Page 22)

This passage highlights how guilty Jericho feels about his role in his cousin’s death. Although everyone understands that it was an accident, Jericho keeps holding himself accountable for what happened. Guilt-ridden and upset, he runs from his emotional pain by abandoning his trumpet and devoting himself to football.

Quotation Mark Icon

“‘The music will be there when you are ready, Jericho.’”


(Chapter 5, Page 23)

Jericho’s music teacher, Mr. Tambori, assures him that music is a part of his essence and that he cannot run away from it forever. His words prove to be true;at the end of the novel,Jericho decides to return to his trumpet, thus starting the road to emotional recovery.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 71 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools