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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
5/5 - Wow, this may be one of the best middle-grade books I've ever read!
Sometimes, it's hard to find books for kids this age because a lot of them seem too childish for their age, but this one is the perfect combo because it's not too thick (which usually discourages them to even pick it up) and it's so powerful I highly doubt anyone can read it and feel nothing or have no thoughts about it.
I wish I could say this book was no longer relevant because racism is no longer an issue, but it seems like we need books like this one even more now. Hence why I think it's a perfect choice to read in the classroom and have a discussion about the topics discussed in it
What I liked most about this book is that the author is able to address important topics such as racism and police brutality without making it too boring or difficult to understand. I also appreciated the historical background info included in it, and I think it's determining when it comes to giving more strength to the story. Furthermore, I did appreciate the positive and hopeful note at the end of it. I really did.
I'm not gonna lie and say it wasn't difficult to read at times, but it's supposed to make you feel uncomfortable. It's supposed to make you feel sad and angry. And no, I don't believe it delivers a negative message and that kids will learn not to trust the Police. Actually, I think it teaches young readers that everyone -yes, even police officers- can make mistakes and that we're all somewhat prejudiced because of the world we've been born to. And no, that's not a negative thing because it makes us aware of an issue and that may be reason enough to make us want to change it. Maybe it's the only way to make us actually see it, educate ourselves and create a better world for everyone.
Can't wait to take it to work this fall and allow (even encourage) my students to read it. And I hope they do learn that this is -sadly- something that doesn't only happen in movies, and that we can all do something to make a change.
Sometimes, it's hard to find books for kids this age because a lot of them seem too childish for their age, but this one is the perfect combo because it's not too thick (which usually discourages them to even pick it up) and it's so powerful I highly doubt anyone can read it and feel nothing or have no thoughts about it.
I wish I could say this book was no longer relevant because racism is no longer an issue, but it seems like we need books like this one even more now. Hence why I think it's a perfect choice to read in the classroom and have a discussion about the topics discussed in it
What I liked most about this book is that the author is able to address important topics such as racism and police brutality without making it too boring or difficult to understand. I also appreciated the historical background info included in it, and I think it's determining when it comes to giving more strength to the story. Furthermore, I did appreciate the positive and hopeful note at the end of it. I really did.
I'm not gonna lie and say it wasn't difficult to read at times, but it's supposed to make you feel uncomfortable. It's supposed to make you feel sad and angry. And no, I don't believe it delivers a negative message and that kids will learn not to trust the Police. Actually, I think it teaches young readers that everyone -yes, even police officers- can make mistakes and that we're all somewhat prejudiced because of the world we've been born to. And no, that's not a negative thing because it makes us aware of an issue and that may be reason enough to make us want to change it. Maybe it's the only way to make us actually see it, educate ourselves and create a better world for everyone.
Can't wait to take it to work this fall and allow (even encourage) my students to read it. And I hope they do learn that this is -sadly- something that doesn't only happen in movies, and that we can all do something to make a change.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I know I won't remember most of the details of this story, but I do think I'll remember the feeling I'm left with after finishing it. This was a sad story told with skill. I am not usually a fan of stories told through switches between past and present, but I felt this worked very well for this story.
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I started sobbing straight away reading this, knowing that we have to do better and writing these stories pushes the awareness out there that Black Lives Matter. But it's also about honouring the dead and what we can do to prevent this from happening like it still does now when it shouldn't. The writing style unlike from other reviews didn't bother me, it made it more impactful and really its the story that matters and the message it puts across so clearly. Definitely a must-read. I would give it more if I could.
So my heart is shattered.
Like all the books I've read regarding police brutality, this book shook me to my core. This topic, so often reignited by the deaths of young black men in this country, will always shake me to my core. My only disconnect with this book was that it felt at times reaching over its intended age audience and at other times going under. Middle grade novels, however, are not geared toward me as an audience so I can't really determine if it's perfectly accurate for the age group. I think it's a super important story and I'm happy it is being exposed to younger readers.
Like all the books I've read regarding police brutality, this book shook me to my core. This topic, so often reignited by the deaths of young black men in this country, will always shake me to my core. My only disconnect with this book was that it felt at times reaching over its intended age audience and at other times going under. Middle grade novels, however, are not geared toward me as an audience so I can't really determine if it's perfectly accurate for the age group. I think it's a super important story and I'm happy it is being exposed to younger readers.
Ghost Boys is often checked out in the school library I work at, so I too wanted to check it out. I can definitely see why it's a popular book.
Jerome's story is so sad though, just as so many other Black boys' stories. Emphasis on BOY.
Jerome's story is so sad though, just as so many other Black boys' stories. Emphasis on BOY.
Bryelle loved this so I wanted to read it. Yeow. So important.
Fave Quotes:
“People change, but not enough at the same time. Or, maybe, people change, then forget they’ve changed and keep hurting.”
“I worry Ma and Pop will get used to trying not to feel. So used to it, one day they they won’t feel anything anymore. That’d be worse than me dying.”
Fave Quotes:
“People change, but not enough at the same time. Or, maybe, people change, then forget they’ve changed and keep hurting.”
“I worry Ma and Pop will get used to trying not to feel. So used to it, one day they they won’t feel anything anymore. That’d be worse than me dying.”
I went into this book expecting it to be a heavy and very info-filled book, and was very pleasantly suprised. It's a lighter read than I expected, but in a good way.
Personally, I don't like the writing style, it's a bit simple and bland for me. Although the blunt sentences for the beginning of the book was amazing, it impacts and drive the point to the reader, straight and forward.
The time jump was a bit choppy, which I don't know if that was the point, or not. It confuses and kind of halt the flow of the book.
Great book overall. The theme and topic is powerful and informative, excuted in an interesting way.
Personally, I don't like the writing style, it's a bit simple and bland for me. Although the blunt sentences for the beginning of the book was amazing, it impacts and drive the point to the reader, straight and forward.
The time jump was a bit choppy, which I don't know if that was the point, or not. It confuses and kind of halt the flow of the book.
Great book overall. The theme and topic is powerful and informative, excuted in an interesting way.
This book takes the black lives matter narrative and turns it on it's head. Jewell Parker Rhodes reminds us that the unarmed boys who have lost their lives are real people. Boys who dream of being many things, but will never get the chance. I love the way their humanity shows in this story.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No