Sapphire has taught reading and writing to teenagers and adults in New York City since 1987. A poet and performance artist, she is the author of American Dreams, a collection of poetry. Push is her first novel. She lives in New York City.
An inspired and inspiring debut, a The Color Purple for the nineties * Vogue * Sapphire's vibrant, unindulgent first novel has you cheering the awesome Precious on until the last page: her voice is true and the book is cool * Mail on Sunday * Harrowing yet hilarious... packs a powerful punch... The powerful writing makes the book a cracking read... a tour de force * Guardian * Unforgettable...a mesmerising and uplifting read... Has all the power and vehemence of rap...brutal in its defence of the vulnerable * Independent * Harrowing yet hilarious...packs a powerful punch... The powerful writing makes the book a cracking read...a tour de force * Guardian *