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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I think the message in this book is really good, but the fact that Emmett Till was made into a main character as a ghost made me uneasy and I couldn't get past that part.
I think the message in this book is really good, but the fact that Emmett Till was made into a main character as a ghost made me uneasy and I couldn't get past that part.
Ghost Boys is a book which talks about incredibly important topics which everyone should know about. It covers racism in both old and modern times, and presents it in a way that any audience can understand. It's a tale about bullying, segregation and death, but also relationships and moving on.
Although I'm not quite sure whether I like the writing style, I did like how quickly the words flowed. I surprised myself by reading this in a couple of hours! What I wasn't such a big fan of, though, was the constant short sentences, but I understand that this is a book aimed at younger children so it has got to be simple. It just takes some time to get used to, and somehow I never really did.
In terms of plot, this had potential. It was good, but it could have been great, you know what I mean? I can't deny that it’s intriguing; I was curious ever since the beginning. However, as you read on, it starts to kind of stop making sense. I don't want to say I didn't understand this book, because I did. But I also didn't. It's hard to explain. It sort of felt like bits and pieces were cut out, the chapters sometimes ended quite suddenly and I didn't really know what was going on properly. Though, rather than being put off by this, it motivated me to read on, hoping the confusing parts would be revisited again in the future. Unfortunately for me, they weren’t.
As well as this, I think that some characters didn't really have much purpose, and so much more could have been done to a lot of them - especially the 'ghost boys' themselves. Considering that they are the title of the book, we didn't get to know very many of them.
Overall, the message behind the book was powerful.
It has an important meaning that everyone should know. I like the idea of children learning of these issues through reading, but I also think that this book could have been altered slightly, and then it would be even better. On the whole, I would recommend it to Year 5-8 students, as I feel as though they would not be as critical of the writing, and wouldn’t mind it as much as I did.
Although I'm not quite sure whether I like the writing style, I did like how quickly the words flowed. I surprised myself by reading this in a couple of hours! What I wasn't such a big fan of, though, was the constant short sentences, but I understand that this is a book aimed at younger children so it has got to be simple. It just takes some time to get used to, and somehow I never really did.
In terms of plot, this had potential. It was good, but it could have been great, you know what I mean? I can't deny that it’s intriguing; I was curious ever since the beginning. However, as you read on, it starts to kind of stop making sense. I don't want to say I didn't understand this book, because I did. But I also didn't. It's hard to explain. It sort of felt like bits and pieces were cut out, the chapters sometimes ended quite suddenly and I didn't really know what was going on properly. Though, rather than being put off by this, it motivated me to read on, hoping the confusing parts would be revisited again in the future. Unfortunately for me, they weren’t.
As well as this, I think that some characters didn't really have much purpose, and so much more could have been done to a lot of them - especially the 'ghost boys' themselves. Considering that they are the title of the book, we didn't get to know very many of them.
Overall, the message behind the book was powerful.
It has an important meaning that everyone should know. I like the idea of children learning of these issues through reading, but I also think that this book could have been altered slightly, and then it would be even better. On the whole, I would recommend it to Year 5-8 students, as I feel as though they would not be as critical of the writing, and wouldn’t mind it as much as I did.
An absolute must read!!
Just finished this book. I’m in tears. This book definitely broke my heart is so many ways; it’s incredibly powerful and moving. Yes, it’s targeted towards a younger audience, but the writing is beautiful. It’s a must read. Please read this book. It is exactly what the book banners don’t want in our schools and exactly what we need right now.
We must take action and put an end to racial bias in communities and law enforcement so that the events of this book won’t be repeated in a never ending cycle. We must demand racial equity because we are all HUMAN and should be treated as such.
Thank you to Jewell Parker Rhodes for your amazing writing. You are an inspiration ❤️
Just finished this book. I’m in tears. This book definitely broke my heart is so many ways; it’s incredibly powerful and moving. Yes, it’s targeted towards a younger audience, but the writing is beautiful. It’s a must read. Please read this book. It is exactly what the book banners don’t want in our schools and exactly what we need right now.
We must take action and put an end to racial bias in communities and law enforcement so that the events of this book won’t be repeated in a never ending cycle. We must demand racial equity because we are all HUMAN and should be treated as such.
Thank you to Jewell Parker Rhodes for your amazing writing. You are an inspiration ❤️
4.5 stars: I think this type of story is so important for everyone to read so in the blink of an eye when something happens we have something to remember that will change our behavior. Jerome says the most powerful, fair, though achingly frustrating thing in page 131-132, “Officer Moore speaks (I think) a truth he believes. When truth’s a feeling, can it be both? Both true and untrue?” Wow.
Jewell Parker Rhodes does an excellent job telling this ripped from the headlines story in a way that helps that middle grade reader (and me!) understand that we need to keep being aware of our prejudice and what we perceive as truth. It bears witness that this happens too often and that we need to stop, think and educate ourselves so I stops happening.
Jewell Parker Rhodes does an excellent job telling this ripped from the headlines story in a way that helps that middle grade reader (and me!) understand that we need to keep being aware of our prejudice and what we perceive as truth. It bears witness that this happens too often and that we need to stop, think and educate ourselves so I stops happening.
So impactful. I cannot wait time share this with my children.
Book #53 Read in 2018
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
This is a book for those middle school readers who want to read The Hate U Give. Jerome is shot and killed by a police officer, who thinks his toy gun is a real one. Jerome is stuck and can see his family and their pain but they cannot see him. The police officer's daughter, Sarah, can see and hear him though. Along with her, Jerome meets many ghost boys who faced similar deaths; the most notable is Emmett Till, a historical figure. Sarah wants to make a difference in the battle against prejudice. Jerome wants to see his family happy again so he can move on. This was a good, quick read that has a powerful message. I recommend it. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
This is a book for those middle school readers who want to read The Hate U Give. Jerome is shot and killed by a police officer, who thinks his toy gun is a real one. Jerome is stuck and can see his family and their pain but they cannot see him. The police officer's daughter, Sarah, can see and hear him though. Along with her, Jerome meets many ghost boys who faced similar deaths; the most notable is Emmett Till, a historical figure. Sarah wants to make a difference in the battle against prejudice. Jerome wants to see his family happy again so he can move on. This was a good, quick read that has a powerful message. I recommend it. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Was a VERY good read...teared up a few times throughout the story
A wonderful addition to any middle grade collection. This book handles a difficult and important subject incredibly well.