Ghost Boys Synopsis
When 12-year-old Jerome is killed by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one, Jerome becomes a ghost. Stuck on earth and watching his family grieve, Jerome wonders why he remains there. He begins to notice other ghost boys and as their stories are revealed, he learns they have something in common and remain behind on earth for a reason. But what can the dead do to bring about change?
Combining fiction and real events, the book explores themes of racism, prejudice and discrimination. As it jumps between past and present, Ghost Boys spans generations of injustice, inspiring discussions of social justice and the fight for equality.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781382036399 |
| Publication date: |
29th September 2022 |
| Author: |
Jewell Parker Rhodes |
| Publisher: |
Oxford University Press an imprint of OUP OXFORD |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
202 pages |
| Series: |
Rollercoasters |
| Suitable For: |
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| Other Genres: |
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Jewell Parker Rhodes Press Reviews
Rhodes achieves a lot in this relatively short book, dealing with grief, history, the idea of biases (both conscious and unconscious) and the fight for justice. This is a beautiful and tragic book that is unfortunately very necessary right now. - BookTrust
A thought-provoking and timely read for children aged 11 and up. - The Good Schools Guide - Chalk & Chat
...heartbreaking. [...] This is a strong book. - The Book Witch
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. -- Matt Long - Reading Zone
This story will absorb you and break your heart. - Read by Jess
This is a must-read book, an opportunity to talk about race, as well as an emotional and involving story. -- Jennifer Harris - Reading Zone - Teacher review
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement comes this novel by an African American writer whose writing has been too long delayed in reaching UK readers [...] a fast-paced and gripping, as well as thought-provoking, read. -- Ann Lazin - Literature & Library Development Manager at CLPE - Research Rich Pedagogies
This is a truly eye-opening story equality and racism. - Scoop
This is one of those books that you love, but it's uncomfortable. It's upsetting and it's disconcerting. You feel helpless and angry. The writing is fantastic [...] -- Victoria Long - Reading Zone - School Librarian Review
A powerful story about police violence in the United States, invoking the real life killings of Tamir Rice and Emmett Till. Jerome's story is a call to action, told unflinchingly but with great humanity. -- Jill Murphy - The Bookbag
This is an incredibly moving and at times harrowing story with unbelievable moments, some sadly based on true events. A thought provoking story for older, mature juniors offering much to discuss. - Primary Times
This is a beautiful and tragic book that is unfortunately very necessary right now. - BookTrust
...the protagonist of Jewell Parker Rhodes's tender, timely Ghost Boys (Orion GBP6.99) - 12-year-old Jerome - dies on page one. Unmoored from life, he switches between the events that led to his death (borrowed toy gun, trigger-happy white police officer) and its surprising and hopeful aftermath. - The Observer New Review
This was one of my most anticipated 2018 books and I was not disappointed. A must read. - Angie Thomas, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
