Ghost Boys
2018 by
on Goodreads (31,370)
What’s inside...
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.
Why read this book
- Explores social justice through a captivating narrative.
- Encourages empathy and understanding of racial issues.
- Highlights importance of friendship and community.
- Inspires conversations about history and current events.
The Big Picture
- Encourages empathy and understanding toward others.
- Promotes discussions on racial justice and equality.
- Helps develop critical thinking about moral decisions.
- Inspires actions toward fairness in diverse societies.
Diversity & Representation
- Explores racial issues through young African American protagonist.
- Promotes understanding and empathy across diverse backgrounds.
- Encourages discussions on equality and justice for all.
Age
10-12
Length
214 pages
Text complexity
emerging
Character Compass
Discussion points
How did the story of Jerome make you feel and why?
What do you think Jerome wanted to achieve by talking to Sarah?
Why do you think it's important to understand stories from different perspectives?
How can we, like Sarah, help to make positive changes in our community?
What did you learn about how we treat each other, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings after reading the book to set a comfortable tone for open dialogue.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how the characters might be feeling in various situations throughout the book.
Pose hypothetical scenarios similar to those in the book and ask your child how they might respond in those situations.
Reinforce the historical and cultural context of the story to deepen your child's understanding of its themes.
Prompt your child to think about ways they can personally contribute to resolving conflicts and promoting understanding in their own life.
What parents love
Powerfully opens conversations about race and justice.
Handles difficult topics with sensitivity and care.
Engages and educates—prompted meaningful discussions at home.
Respectful storytelling that resonates with young minds.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Ghost Boys', the protagonist Jerome, a 12-year-old African American boy who is shot by a police officer, becomes a ghost witnessing the aftermath of his death. Through his interactions with other ghost boys similarly affected, the story highlights the need for understanding different perspectives and lives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic attitude toward people from different backgrounds and communities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of racism and prejudice
Explanation: The book addresses serious issues like racial bias and its tragic outcomes. Jerome's story exposes the harsh realities and consequences of racism, prompting readers to reflect on social justice and equality.
Real-World Application: This lesson can lead children to recognize and challenge racial prejudices in their surroundings, advocating for fairness and equality among their peers and in their community interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of speaking out against injustice
Explanation: Jerome’s friend Sarah, who is the daughter of the officer involved in the shooting, plays a key role by choosing to speak out against the injustice she observes. This highlights the impact of using one’s voice to initiate change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their voices to stand up against wrongdoings, whether in their immediate environment or within larger societal contexts. It encourages active participation and courage to speak up for oneself and others.
Example Lesson: Healing and forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the story, themes of forgiveness and healing are explored, particularly through Jerome's interactions with the ghost boys. These interactions help Jerome and readers understand the power of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to practice forgiveness and seek healing in situations of conflict or hurt, promoting peace and positive mental health.
Example Lesson: Understanding history to improve the future
Explanation: The ghost boys are historical figures who faced racially motivated violence, teaching Jerome and readers about the past. This historical awareness is crucial for understanding present issues and striving for a better future.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of historical context in understanding current events and shaping a more equitable future. It encourages a deeper engagement with history and active participation in community and societal development.