Ghost Boys is a captivating and poignant novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes that explores the issues of racism, police brutality, and prejudice through the eyes of a twelve-year-old African-American boy named Jerome. The book depicts the tragic and senseless killing of Jerome by a white police officer, and his journey as a ghost as he tries to come to terms with his untimely death and the racial injustice that surrounds it.
The Plot
The story begins with Jerome, a smart and sensitive boy who loves playing with his toy gun and dreams of becoming a lawyer. One day, while playing with his gun outside, he is shot and killed by a white police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one. As a ghost, Jerome watches his family and friends mourn his death and the aftermath of the shooting, including the trial of the police officer who killed him.
Along the way, Jerome meets the ghost of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old African-American boy who was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Through his conversations with Emmett, Jerome learns about the history of racism and violence against black people in America and how it still affects the present.
The book also introduces Sarah, a white girl who befriends Jerome's sister and learns about the reality of racism and the need to speak out against it. Together with Sarah, Jerome's sister, and other allies, Jerome works to bring justice to his case and to raise awareness of the issues of racism and police brutality.
The Writing
Jewell Parker Rhodes has crafted a beautiful and heartbreaking story that is both timely and timeless. Her writing is lyrical and powerful, and she does an excellent job of conveying the emotions and perspectives of her characters, both living and dead. The book is told from multiple points of view, including Jerome's, Sarah's, and the police officer's, which adds depth and complexity to the story.
The author also incorporates historical facts and figures into the novel, such as the story of Emmett Till and the statistics on police shootings of African-Americans, which makes the book feel more urgent and relevant. The book is a powerful reminder of the continued struggle for racial justice and the need for empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Book Details
| Title | Ghost Boys |
| Author | Jewell Parker Rhodes |
| Genre | Young Adult Fiction, Social Issues |
| Published | April 17, 2018 |
| Publisher | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
| Pages | 240 |
FAQ
- Is Ghost Boys suitable for young readers?
- Is Ghost Boys based on a true story?
- Where can I download Ghost Boys in PDF format?
Yes, the book is intended for young adult readers and deals with important social issues in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner.
No, the book is a work of fiction, but it incorporates historical facts and figures to add context and relevance to the story.
You can download the PDF version of Ghost Boys by following the link below this article.
Final Thoughts
Ghost Boys is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the issues of racism and police brutality in America. It is a book that will make you cry, but also make you think and reflect on your own biases and prejudices. It is a book that should be read by everyone, young and old, and it is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
If you're looking for a compelling and impactful read that will challenge your beliefs and touch your heart, then Ghost Boys is the perfect book for you. Download it in PDF format today and experience the unforgettable journey of Jerome and his quest for justice and redemption.
Download Ghost Boys PDF here.
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