J
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Ghost boys
Synopsis
Jerome, a seventh-grader, is shot by a police officer and finds himself observing the world as a ghost. He soon encounters other spectral Black boys who met similar fates, including the historical figure Emmett Till. Together, they navigate the aftermath of their deaths and the ongoing impact of racism.
Genres
Characters
JeromeProtagonist
Emmett TillSupporting
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghost Boys based on a true story?
The novel draws inspiration from the real-world issue of police brutality and racial injustice, particularly the deaths of Black children and teenagers. While the main character Jerome is fictional, the book incorporates the historical figure of Emmett Till, whose real-life murder in 1955 was a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.
What awards has Ghost Boys won?
Ghost Boys received the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children's Literature, which recognizes diverse authors and books that address diversity in children's literature. It also earned a place on the National Book Award longlist for Young People's Literature.
How does Ghost Boys connect to Jewell Parker Rhodes' other books?
While Ghost Boys is a standalone novel, it shares Jewell Parker Rhodes' characteristic focus on social justice themes and empowering young protagonists. Her other works often explore historical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of children, much like she does with Jerome's story.
