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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
While not a long book, Ghost Boys artfully deep dives into the tragedy of racial bias, prejudice, and police violence. I found the inclusion of Emmett Till’s character to be especially powerful - - the drawing of lines across time, revealing how – in truth – nothing substantial has changed. The streets are still disproportionately dangerous for young black men in America.
I think the one thing that prevents me from giving Ghost Boys a full 5 star rating is that I found the ending to be a bit ..tidy? .. like it all came together, wrapped with an overly cheery bow. I believe there was a wonderful optimism being reflected, maybe, and I appreciate that. While I recognize that partly this may be attributed to the audience for which the book is intended, I wished for the same depth in the book’s ending that was characteristic of its development.
While not a long book, Ghost Boys artfully deep dives into the tragedy of racial bias, prejudice, and police violence. I found the inclusion of Emmett Till’s character to be especially powerful - - the drawing of lines across time, revealing how – in truth – nothing substantial has changed. The streets are still disproportionately dangerous for young black men in America.
I think the one thing that prevents me from giving Ghost Boys a full 5 star rating is that I found the ending to be a bit ..tidy? .. like it all came together, wrapped with an overly cheery bow. I believe there was a wonderful optimism being reflected, maybe, and I appreciate that. While I recognize that partly this may be attributed to the audience for which the book is intended, I wished for the same depth in the book’s ending that was characteristic of its development.
This book for me was an emotional read. It draws connections between the main character Jerome and the other ghost boys (young black boys brutally and unjustly killed by the hands of white police officers) throughout history. From Emmit Till to Jerome. This book is a powerful way for thousands of ghost boys to tell their painful stories.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rhodes has created a story that is all too real for our day and age. The story of Jerome is sad and makes my heart ache. I want there to be less hatred and crime against people. Something needs to change, so people are not scared of one another.
It doesn’t matter if this is a mid-grade book. Anyone/everyone should read it. It’s impactful, beautiful, painful, and hopeful.
I devoured this YA book in an afternoon. This left me in tears at multiple points. Beautifully written, powerful, and modern. Rhodes does an astounding job of linking the past to the present in a way that keeps readers wanting more from the storyline while highlighting groundbreaking cases of the lynchings of young Black boys across time. I found myself wanting a happy ending but it’s evident and pertinent that Rhodes did not include one, as this is the reality many Black people (especially young boys) face today. This is a MUST read. I would recommend this to anyone with middle school aged children as well as yourself. This is the perfect catalyst to start a powerful conversation between you and someone else. PLEASE pick this up!
i was told to read the first page of this book and i was hooked from there. it was a great mix of history and future. a retelling of a horrific crime and those still happening today. i’m pleased with how the story played out. Carlos was a very good friend, Kim was a wonderful sister, and Jerome’s Grandma loved him so much.
a very good book for middle school age classrooms learning about diversity and hate crimes!
a very good book for middle school age classrooms learning about diversity and hate crimes!