Ghost Boys

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Reviewed by Jack, age 12

I enjoyed Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes. It’s about a 12-year-old boy named Jerome, living in Chicago USA and his experiences of racism. He is killed by a police officer, yet stays a ghost to carry on the message that skin colour doesn’t matter. It is an important book to read as it helps us understand the experience of being a black child in the 21st century. 

The book provides some historical insights with references to the Civil Rights Movement and the story of Emmett Till who lived in the 1950’s USA. Ghost boys is insightful and a real page turner. It is sad yet thought provoking, and gives hope that people can change.

Published by Orion Children’s Books

Reviewed by Justine Daniels