Ghost Boys
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Book Overview
A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a police officer, drawing connections through history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes. Only the living can make the world better. Live and make it better. Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. Emmett helps Jerome process what has happened, on a journey towards recognizing how historical racism may have led to the events that ended his life. Jerome also meets Sarah, the daughter of the police officer, who grapples with her father's actions. Once again Jewell Parker Rhodes deftly weaves historical and socio-political layers into a gripping and poignant story about how children and families face the complexities of today's world, and how one boy grows to understand American blackness in the aftermath of his own death.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0316262269
ISBN13:9780316262262
Release Date:September 2019
Publisher:Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Length:240 Pages
Weight:0.45 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.3" x 7.6"
Age Range:9 to 12 years
Grade Range:Grades 4 to 7
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Ghost Boys
Published by Mrs. M , 2 years ago
A child's point of view on racial bias and prejudice. When Jerome is shot and killed by a white police officer (not a spoiler), he has to figure out why his ghost is still on earth. He watches his family and friends mourn and start to be happy again after his passing. He makes a very unlikely friend in the afterlife, who helps him discover his purpose. While I was reading this book, I could think of several students to recommend it to.
Must have book!
Published by Belinda , 2 years ago
Kids, parents, and grandparents should read this book and talk about the story. Excellent book.
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