Double Dutch

Double Dutch is a middle grade novel by Sharon M. Draper, published in 2001 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Draper, a Cincinnati-based educator, is the highly acclaimed author of more than 30 books including novels for young readers, nonfiction for teachers, and books of poetry. She has published short stories and articles in widely-circulated magazines. Draper has been awarded numerous awards including five Coretta Scott King book awards. She has been personally honored for her excellence in writing as well as for her teaching and contribution to pedagogy. A number of her books have become New York Times bestsellers and her highly-regarded novel Out of My Mind was adapted into a Disney feature film. Many of her works explore serious themes like grief, death, violence, and illiteracy.

Double Dutch follows eighth-graders Delia Douglas and Randy Youngblood as they compete with the Double Dutch jump rope team while dealing with major issues in their private lives—Delia hides the fact that she can’t read and Randy hides that his father has disappeared, leaving him alone. The novel explores The Psychological Toll of Secrets, The Impact of Familial Instability on teenagers, and The Value of Competitive Sports.

This study guide uses the 2002 edition from Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster.

Plot Summary

Eighth-grader Delia grapples with fear and self-doubt as she navigates her middle school environment, particularly concerning the intimidating Tolliver Twins, Tabu and Titan. There are terrifying rumors surrounding the twins. Delia struggles to separate fact from fiction, feeling their threat in her gut as they assert their dominance at school. She finds a reprieve in her friendship with Yolanda and the joy of participating in the Double Dutch team. 

Despite her apparent success at school, Delia harbors a painful secret: She cannot read. She carefully conceals this fact from her teachers and peers. Delia’s reading issue developed while her parents were going through a difficult divorce and this is how she has fallen through the cracks.

Meanwhile, Delia’s classmate Randy harbors his own challenges at home: His father, a long-haul trucker, has not returned from his last trip. Randy does not tell anyone at school, even Delia, who he likes. Randy tries to protect Delia from the Tolliver twins while also taking care of himself. The pressure on Delia grows as she gets closer to the mandatory state proficiency test that she knows she will fail. She throws herself into Double Dutch practice in preparation for the state, and then national Double Dutch championships.

During a cold morning outside school, Delia shares a Twinkie with Randy, and they discuss their worries about the twins. In class, Delia succeeds in math but struggles with reading, questioning why it is so difficult for her to read when she is clearly intelligent. A discussion about the Tollivers in social studies highlights their menacing behavior. Delia observes her classmates during group work, noting that no one approaches the Tollivers.

Yolanda brings humor to practice, while Misty shares how Double Dutch has positively impacted her life. Delia impresses the team with her knowledge about the sport’s history, but the pressure mounts when Bomani, the team coach, announces that passing the state proficiency test is essential for remaining on the team. Randy faces increasing stress at home due to his father’s absence and financial struggles and considers confiding in Delia.

Delia feels reluctant to invite her mom to practice due to her complicated family situation, which involves her dad and stepmother. Tensions escalate when Yolanda accidentally brushes against Tabu Tolliver, resulting in a menacing encounter. The atmosphere shifts during a school assembly where the security guard discusses new safety measures and introduces metal detectors, raising anxiety among the students. As Delia, Yolanda, Randy, and Jesse plan their English project on fear, the ominous presence of the Tollivers looms large in their lives.

Randy finds solace in helping set up for the Ohio State Double Dutch championships, diverting his attention from his missing father. He watches Delia, Yolanda, and Charlene excel in their freestyle routine and qualify for the World Championships. 

Randy’s financial struggles worsen, prompting him to pawn his VCR. The pawn shop owner, Mr. Clifford, offers Randy unexpected support and urges him to seek help. Meanwhile, Delia feels frustrated with Randy’s critique of her jumping, but they share an excited conversation about the championship after practice.

Delia, Yolanda, Randy, and Jesse present their English skit, which humorously depicts a Martian invasion. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when the Tollivers deliver a somber presentation about the darkness within everyone. A sudden tornado warning interrupts their presentation, resulting in chaos as windows shatter and students take cover. After the storm passes, Delia realizes Yolanda and the Tolliver twins are missing. As students recount their experiences and worry about their homes, Randy has no one to get him. The Tolliver twins emerge from the destroyed school, carrying an unconscious Yolanda.

Yolanda wakes up after being rescued by the Tollivers and realizes they saved her life rather than chasing her. When she asks how she can thank them, they tell her to win at Double Dutch. 

Delia learns that the state proficiency exams have been postponed. Randy confides in Bomani about his missing father, receiving support and reassurance, and later learns from Delia that Yolanda is recovering. Yolanda tells Delia that she spoke to the Tollivers and discovered they have more in common than they thought, including music and interests.

Delia focuses on the upcoming Double Dutch championship, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Once they arrive at the hotel in downtown Cincinnati, she finds a flyer featuring a picture of Randy’s dad but cannot read what it says. Delia guesses Mr. Youngblood is a wanted criminal. After dinner with the team, Delia decides to keep the flyer a secret until after the tournament to protect Randy. The championship day arrives, and the team performs well in the compulsory round, enjoying the excitement of the event as they prepare for the competition ahead.

Delia and her team perform impressively at the competition, finishing second in the individuals and winning the doubles trophy. However, Randy finds the flyer in Delia’s bag and confronts her about it. Delia must admit that she cannot read, and Randy reveals that the flyer offers information about his father’s whereabouts. Mr. Youngblood was robbed, beaten up, and left with a foggy memory.

Feeling low after the victory celebration, Delia confides in her mom about her reading struggles. Mrs. Douglas offers support and reassurance. Delia shares her feelings with Yolanda, who has been talking to the Tollivers, and checks in on Randy, who is still upset but prepares to see his dad.

Randy and Bomani head to Columbus, stopping to thank Mr. Clifford at the pawn shop.

Finally, Delia contemplates her future and the upcoming state proficiency test. Randy calls to reconcile with her and reports that his dad is coming home. Delia holds her champion jacket and resolves to try her best to face her fears.