Ghost Boys, Jewell Parker (Age 10+ / Teen)

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
 
A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.

A New York Times Bestseller
This was one of my most anticipated 2018 books and I was not disappointed. A must read." -Angie Thomas, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
'tender, timely ... surprising and hopeful' - Observer
A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.
 
Twelve-year-old Jerome doesn't get into trouble. He goes to school. He does his homework. He takes care of his little sister.
Then Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat.
 
As a ghost, watching his family trying to cope with his death, Jerome begins to notice other ghost boys.
 
Each boy has a story and they all have something in common...
Bit by bit, Jerome begins to understand what really happened - not just to him, but to all of the ghost boys.
 
A poignant and gripping story about how children and families face the complexities of race in today's world.
 
Timely topic - this is a book that deals with issues that are incredibly relevant in the current political climate both here, in the US and throughout the world, and contributes to the important conversation about racial relations in today's society

Diverse cast - the author has created a strong young African American character in a diverse setting

Beautiful writing - a lyrical story from an award-winning author (Ninth Ward (published in the US was a Coretta Scott King Honor Book)

Own-voices - this is a story that deals with race and the experience of being black in America, written by an African-American author
Highly promotable author - Jewel is fantastic in person, very experienced with school events and publicity appearances, and she's able to travel to the UK
Reviews
 
'This was one of my most anticipated 2018 books and I was not disappointed. A must read.' - Angie Thomas, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
Author Biography
 
 
Jewell Parker Rhodes grew up in Pennsylvania. She is an author of adult and children's books, a Coretta Scott King Honour award-winner, and a professor of creative writing at Arizona State University. She currently lives in San Jose. 
 
Number of pages: 224 
Weight: 193 g 
Dimensions: 196 x 126 x 26 mm