A review by arrcristi
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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.
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.