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Ghost Boys
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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.
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jspoelker
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

A story of 12 years old Jerome who is shot and killed by a police officer who mistakes a toy gun for a real one. He tells his story as a ghost watching his family and the trial. The officer‘s daughter can see him and the two 12 year olds attempt to help the officer confront his racial biases. As a ghost, Jerome also interacts with other ghosts lost to Gun. Violence.

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Blueberry_man
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
Pickpick

This book was amazing. I enjoyed reading it throughout, It immediately starts off really sad by the death of Jerome. He had been shot while playing with a toy gun at a playground. And Sarah was such an interesting addition because she was the daughter of the cop who had shot Jerome. It was genuinely such an interesting read.

SW-T Welcome to Litsy! Glad to have you join us. #ListyWelcomeWagon 2y
4 likes1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

I'm not sure how I feel about the "ghost boys" device, but I love how Rhodes invites readers to see the many perspectives of a very messy and nuanced situation. You have an event that is clearly wrong, the killing of a child, and around that are the people and context that explain and complicate things. The novel recognizes the inclination to despair and the need to grieve while highlighting the necessity to take responsibility for making change.

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BTussey
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Panpan

I appreciated the creative framing of a tragically all-too-familiar story, but I found the ending unsatisfying. I understand wanting to show the reality of police brutality, which often goes unpunished, but the resolution is that Sarah‘s dad helped her with her website? Not sure what that says about injustice and the responsibility of those in power. However, my students like it, and that is important.

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Grrlbrarian
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Fifth #BookSpinBingo with the tagged. This might be my last #Bookspin this month 🤔 This realistic fiction centers on the narrative of a middle school black boy murdered by a policeman. The victim tells his story both before and after death, bearing witness to the senseless loss of himself and other ‘ghost boys.‘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TheAromaofBooks Fabulous progress this month!!! 3y
22 likes1 comment
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Tamra
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Hauntingly, achingly brilliant. 💔

TracyReadsBooks 💯 agree! 3y
61 likes1 comment
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Tamra
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Funny how life works. I downloaded the audio when my hold came in, started it, and then didn‘t go back because I am just fatigued with reality. Then I find out my son is reading it in school and he wants to do it in tandem! 😁 Mystery solved as to why he was talking about Emmett Till the other day. 💔

Christine Aww. ❤️ 3y
TracyReadsBooks I really enjoyed this book. So much so, in fact, I had everyone in my family read it and afterwards we had a great family discussion about it! 3y
66 likes2 comments
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ysadionne
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
Pickpick

even though i read this awhile ago, i always read back to it because it‘s such an interesting type of book. it‘s filled with topics about real life people who were victims of racial discrimination and were even killed. i really suggest you guys to read it if you are interested in books talking about racial discrimination and real life topics!

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Butterfinger
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Andrew65 Looks good. 3y
megnews ❤️ but also 💔 3y
40 likes2 comments
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Rio Rhino Bird
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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“Can't undo wrong can only do our best to make things right“

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SW-T
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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vonnie862
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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I loved this audiobook! I finished it last week and I am still thinking about it!

ErikasMindfulShelf I just read this to my son. 4y
10 likes1 comment
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Lovesbooks87
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Wow just wow!! This book didn‘t hold back at all. Jerome is the latest victim to be shot by a white cop who mistakes a toy gun for a threat. As a ghost he observes what his murder has done to his family and community. The daughter of the cop who shot him is able to see Jerome and communicate with him. I feel like this should be required reading. A very powerful book!

This book also brings me to my goodreads goal for the year!

wanderinglynn Wow! Way to go! 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4y
Liatrek 🎉🎉🎉🎉 4y
kspenmoll So impressive!!!! Congrats! 🎉🎉 4y
See All 8 Comments
keys_on_fire Congrats on reaching 200!! 4y
erzascarletbookgasm Wohoo! 👏😃 4y
Nute Well-done!🙌🏽 4y
Linsy Congrats! 🥳 4y
UwannaPublishme Way to go! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4y
60 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Lovesbooks87
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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I can already tell this is going to be a really powerful book. Listening to it on audio while putting together my pencil box sensory bins!

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Nebklvr
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

No punches are held but the humanity portrayed by each of the characters is amazing. This book could make a positive difference in introducing/explaining racial bias and shootings by police.

Emily92Bibliophile Amen. One of THE most powerful books I have read yet. 4y
36 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LaurenMags
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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OrangeMooseReads
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Man Cub got a couple books too

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LaurenMags
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Hannah_H
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Kristin_Reads
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bear witness. An excellent read! Very well done.

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DebbieGrillo
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

I love the dual perspective when it switches back and forth between Jerome when he is living and Jerome the ghost. This middle grade novel tells the age-old story of racism that is still alive today. We learn about the story of Emmett Till and the fictional character and how they were both killed by ignorant and fearful white men. This is a book for everyone. #blacklivesmatter

86 likes4 stack adds
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DebbieGrillo
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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"When truth's a feeling, can it be both? Both true and untrue?"

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DebbieGrillo
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Lazy Saturdays are meant for this! Out for dinner with friends tonight. Should have been on our way to USVI.

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Addison_Reads
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Extremely well-done middle grade book dealing with police brutality. A young black boy is murdered by police, but he remains a ghost with others who have been killed.

This is a great book to introduce younger kids to this difficult topic in a way they can understand, but it's also an excellent read for adults too.

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Onceuponatime
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Told from the perspective of a 12-year-old black boy who was shot and killed by a white police officer, this book is so relevant and well-written for middle school readers. #blacklivesmatter ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #oregonbattleofthebooks

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Onceuponatime
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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“Stereotyoes about black boys don‘t make the world better.”
#blacklivesmatter #oregonbattleofthebooks

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Butterfinger
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
Pickpick

What a relevant book. The ghosts of all the black children who die from racism band together to support the newest murdered. It was a very poignant read and told the Emmett Till story from his point of view. I cried. #MiddleGradeMarch @sblbooks @megnews

c4t I just finished it. Incredibly poignant and moving, an unflinching look at the tragic miscarriages of justice that exist in the USA. I teach primary school kids and will be using this as a read aloud come September. 4y
Butterfinger It is very powerful. 4y
46 likes2 comments
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Jasxnicole
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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I love the way this was told in both the flipping back and forth through time and giving Jerome a tour guide and support system in the presence of Emmett Till. It gave this a slight fantasy feel while still grounded in reality.

As heartbreaking as it was to read this at times (as with many stories like this), it was such an important read and I‘m glad it crossed my path.

#firstlinefridays

DrexEdit wow. 💔😢 4y
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alisiakae
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Our tradition of visiting the library before a ❄️ forecast continues! Maya is picking out the books online first, since we‘re short on time.

Although I think the only snow we‘ll be seeing is what is in the snow globe on this mug. 🤣

Butterfinger The temperature is going to be low tonight. Maybe 2 hour delay??? Those are my favorites. 4y
alisiakae @Butterfinger it‘s already started ❄️ so I have been proved wrong. ☺️ Maya has two tests tomorrow and a stack of just checked out library 📚, so she‘s hoping for the day off. 😜 4y
97 likes2 comments
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hwestfall
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

I think that this is a great middle grade book that deals with difficult subjects. It would be great to read alongside your children or students. There are lots of opportunity for good discussion!

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Aswenson
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Middle school book club pick; here we go!

Daisey It‘s a great one! 4y
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Chelleo
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Winding #yarn as I wait for my car at the oil change place and continue my last minute book-binge. Ghost Boys gives a very interesting perspective of the story behind the police shooting that leaves a 12yo black boy dead. His ghost comes to learn of and meet other Ghost Boys like Emmitt Till and Tamir Rice. So hard to listen to as I raise 2 young black boys. #blacklitsy #blitsy #currentlylistening #audiobook

Lcsmcat 😢 4y
Gaylagal2 I have this exact same color! I have fallen in love with Bernat blanket yarn. It's a little tricky to work with at first, but it's so lovely ❤️ 4y
76 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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crazyspine
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Very short, but moving. Out of all the black lives matter books that I have read , I thought this was the most effective at getting the point across.

51 likes2 stack adds
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madamereadsalot1
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

I am devastated after reading this book. It is too heavy. I know, have known, of this injustice. I have been saddened. But this book, the perspective, it was brutal. I am so thankful my 10 year old read it & was so moved that he insisted I read it too. It took me 2 hours to read it. Through tear & snot filled sobs, I got through it. I'm not the same as when I started. I wish there were no willful ignorance & hate. I wish everyone would read this.

22 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Jasxnicole
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

I‘m so glad I gave this a chance. Although following Jerome on his journey was heartbreaking and felt too close to home in terms of the reality we live in today, the addition of having him interact with not only Emmett Till and other victims of race-related violence, but the daughter of the officer that took his life gave this a new perspective.

Much like The Hate U Give and Dear Martin, this was such an important read, just in a tinier package.

11 likes1 stack add
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Jager
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

The book was great. Twelve yea old Jerome was shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one. As a ghost he he noticed the devastation that has been unleashed on his family. Jerome meets another ghosts his name is Emmett. Emmett helps Jerome process what has happened. I would give this book a 8/10 if you like exiting books and adventure and about equal rights this is a good book for you

MissYaremcio Great review Jager! I think I need to read this one!! Remember to include all elements of the post next time (you were missing the tone of the book)! 4y
8 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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Daisey
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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One of my students finished this yesterday and another wants to read it. I snagged it in between and promised to read quickly. It‘s fairly short, keeps from describing events too graphically, yet makes a powerful statement. This a book I can easily recommend to my rural middle school students for a perspective very different from their own but important for them to see. I only wish there‘d been a bit more about Emmett Till.

#middlegrade #TRS2019

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BarbaraTheBibliophage
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Beautifully written and utterly heart wrenching. It‘s not hard to imagine that black boys and men who‘ve been killed at the hands of white people would want to stay close to those who can stop the horror. Jerome is a sweet MC, and I also liked how the author worked in the history of this topic, including Emmett Till.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2019
#booked2019 #diversemiddlegrade
#readingwomen #childrensbook

BarbaraTheBibliophage p.s. Some people believe that when orbs like those in the background image show up in a photo, they‘re actually spirits of the dead. Seemed fitting. 5y
TrishB That sounds heart breaking 💔 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @TrishB Yes, and she does a good job of all the feelings. 5y
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TrishB Have stacked 😪 5y
Cinfhen So exciting to see so many powerful middle school reads ‼️♥️ 5y
87 likes5 stack adds6 comments
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natalieebloom
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Okay, so I may or may not have read this entire book in a single two-hour sitting... Super powerful, compelling story. The parallels to Emmett Till were fascinating, and the book definitely had a good theme/moral without being too in-your-face about it. I can‘t wait to teach this novel in the fall! (Plus... absolutely NO LANGUAGE. Teacher‘s dream.)

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Abby2
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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So sad but really important. Easy to read but no pulled punches. It tells the story of a black boy wrongfully shot. The perspectives of most participants are shared. It covers the historical perspective and suggests hope for the future.

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Purplerosiepage
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
Pickpick

Sad. Impactful. Important.

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ElizaMarie
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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It was super quick but so powerful. I‘m glad I randomly downloaded it :)

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UnabridgedPod
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Powerful middle-grade read. Rhodes builds a world in which Jerome, a black boy shot and killed by a white police officer, becomes a ghost who joins thousands of other ghost boys, other black boys killed by violence. The author alternates between Jerome "Alive" and Jerome "Dead," depicting both the events leading up to his murder and his attempts to help those he's left behind. (continued in comments)

UnabridgedPod Joined by the ghost of Emmett Till, Jerome witnesses the pain of his family and builds a relationship with Sarah, the daughter of the police officer who killed him. Both heart breaking and hopeful, Ghost Boys provides a brilliant commentary on current events that would be an appropriate, if tough, read for middle schoolers. 5y
11 likes1 comment
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R.L.Walker
Ghost Boys | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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My students selected my next read!!

LibrarianJen I love everything about that sentence! 💖 5y
SarahBradley This book is so well done. Brought me to tears. 5y
staci.reads I love that you let them choose! 5y
95 likes4 stack adds3 comments