Reviews

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

emosucculents's review against another edition

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3.0

i really liked the narrator. this book had SUCH a deep message, and i think it’s necessary for anyone of any background to read books like Ghost Boys.

spamonapan169's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

cincominuticos's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

katcatanzaro13's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

klawson1's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad

emma45678_10's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

seferguson238's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

raglanda2462's review against another edition

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emotional 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? No

5.0

arrcristi's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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.

amber_hastings's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

4.5

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.