Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
A Review By: NJH
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 toward 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 sociopolitical 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.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2018
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Miles Harvey
I won’t repeat what you can read in the synopsis. The author takes a not so easy topic and makes it compelling, opening our eyes to see beyond the surface. I felt the story in my heart. It will rest with me for awhile. It’s powerful, evocative and painful at the same time. This book should be read by everyone and in every classroom. Now, let’s talk about the narration. This was a new to me narrator and I was not disappointed. Excellent job bringing the words to life. I highly recommend this book.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? Human or animal loss
