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Ghost Boys

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( 33,019 ratings, 4,726 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a poignant children's book that explores the timely themes of racial injustice and loss. The story follows a young African American boy named Jerome who is tragically shot by a police officer. As a ghost, Jerome observes the aftermath of his death and meets other "ghost boys" who share similar fates, as well as a living girl who can see him. This touching narrative addresses deep issues and encourages empathy and understanding.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in stories that combine social commentary with powerful, emotional narratives suitable for young readers. It offers a poignant exploration of themes like racial injustice and empathy, presented in an engaging, thought-provoking way that resonates long after reading.

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A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A New York Times Bestseller

This was one of my most anticipated 2018 books and I was not disappointed. A must-read. - Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give

‘Tender, timely ... surprising and hopeful’ - Observer

A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real life, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.

ALIVE

Twelve-year-old Jerome doesn't get into trouble. He goes to school. He does his homework. He takes care of his little sister.

Then Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat.

DEAD

As a ghost, watching his family trying to cope with his death, Jerome begins to notice other ghost boys.

Each boy has a story and they all have something in common...

Bit by bit, Jerome begins to understand what really happened - not just to him, but to all of the ghost boys.

A poignant and gripping story about how children and families face the complexities of race and racism in today's world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes received strong praise, with critics highlighting its powerful narrative and emotional impact. Angie Thomas, the author of The Hate U Give, highly recommended it, indicating it was among her most anticipated reads and asserting it did not disappoint. The book is regarded as a critical read for its exploration of relevant social issues, especially for a young audience.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781510104396

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 April 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orion Children's Books

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 204g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Jewell Parker Rhodes grew up in Pennsylvania. She is a best-selling author of adult and children's books, a Coretta Scott King Honour award-winner, and a professor of creative writing at Arizona State University. She currently lives in Seattle.

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  • Ghost Boys Graphic Novel
    Ghost Boys, the New York Times bestselling novel about a Black boy killed by a white police officer from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes, is brought to a new audience in this heartbreaking and powerful graphic novel with striking colour artwork by Setor Fiadzigbey. ALIVE Twelve-year-old Jerome doesn't get into trouble. He goes to school. He does his homework. He...
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  • Will’s Race for Home (Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner)
    A New York Times bestseller! “Rhodes deftly captures a unique aspect of this historical event, with a perspective that is often under-represented in historical fiction. A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy.” - School Library Journal, starred review It's 1889, barely twenty-five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and a...
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