Ghost Boys

One of the best books ever. Seeing racism from a different perspective.

I read this to my 7th graders during the quarantine during an optional Google meet. The kids generally liked it, however it is more catered to 4th-5th graders (not surprised—I took it off the elementary approved reading list). My district has it approved for 4th graders. It’s the only book I have encountered that addresses prejudice and police brutality for that age group. The characters are not complex and the story is rather simple. It’s a very at-the-surface story. You aren’t going to get the characterization of, say, The Outsiders. You aren’t going to get the twists and turns of the Westing Game. You aren’t going to get the harsh realities of a Walter Dean Myers book. But it does the job and kids will like it. I should warn you, however, that there is a page that mentions Emmitt Till’s body after his murder. His mother famously and bravely had a glass casket so the world “could see what they did” to him. It mentions the character doing a Google image search to see a picture of his body. When I learned about Till in 10th grade—it was troubling even for me. I suggest searching it for your child first, and then deciding if they can handle it. I’m sure there are 10-year-olds who can handle it, there are some who will have nightmares. It will leave a huge impact, though. If your child reads this book, I suggest reading it with them so you can have a discussion with them. I didn’t have to do that with my 7th graders (they understand prejudice at their age), but a ten-year-old might not. The value of the book is lost if a child isn’t able to process the message. I also suggest you do some extra research with your child on Emmitt Till. It’s worth it. If you have an older child, I would suggest having them read Mississippi Trial, 1955 (about Emmitt Till) to see a perspective on hate crimes, or Monster by Walter Dean Myers to see a perspective of prejudice and injustice against Black teenage boys rather than this book.

This was approved by my son's teacher. I purchased this and had it approved for my son to make a book report on. My son's 6th grade teacher actually said this was a very good book

I got this super randomly because it was on sale and read about 75% of this book in a day, in two separate sittings. It is well-written and is an appropriate level for a lower level YA reader. I would compare it to “The Hate U Give,” “All American Boys,” etc. but there isn’t any language and it’s an easier read. There’s also historical context that connects brutality against black boys over decades.

Those words. That revelation. That invitation. A posthumous call to action from a fictional 12 year old with a toy gun, who was killed by a white cop, is the heart of this story. This is the story of Jerome, a bullied black boy, who finally gets a fried. The story of a white cop who is trying to live with his actions. The story of his daughter who can commune with the ghost. The story of Emmet Till who is still crying from the grave. This is the story of too many black boys. But this is also the story of us. Those who live. Those who can tell their story. Those who can hear the pain. Those who can make a difference This story, those short, is powerful and evocative. I couldn’t put it down and was late to work so that I could read it. I highly recommend it. I plan on reading it with my children, though it is painful, so that we can all be among the living who can make a difference. This but haunts me. And I imagine it will do so for a while. But also inspires me to action

I haven't cried over a book in a long time. This was sad. So very sad but also the reality we live in. I truly think this is a must read.

This was a simple, sad, yet beautiful story. Not realizing how many truly innocent people are killed based on race is an eye opener in this book. Emmett Till 's story stirs all sorts of emotions with anger overpowering what was done to this young man. It is important to teach ALL races, not only bits of history, but all of history, because this is how we try to prevent repetition. Unfortunately, many textbooks leave out these stories, and unless a teacher, or other adult, bring it up, kids are unaware how long many have lived with racism, prejudice, stereotypes, and hate. I like that this book is easy to get through for struggling readers, and brings up so much that can be connected to real events kids can look up and read into on their own, or research in school. Great read.

Recently we were playing a family game, and the question came up of: "What is the most influential book you have ever read." My 11 yr old* answered: "Ghost Boys". I was admittedly surprised and thrilled! Since the recent shooting tragedies, I had been aiming to expose my daughter to the realities of racism and the pain that it causes entire communities of Americans... in an "age-appropriate way" (I realize that I am privileged to have the "choice to expose her, or not"... and so, I want to make even more of an effort to support the understanding and awareness of the next generation). I had come across this book in a list of recommendations, and ordered it for her. I'm very thankful for this eye-opening, but still approachable novel. *Note: My 11-year old bonus daughter is an avid reader, and reads a wide variety of books (she is in the gifted & talented program at her school, and is "mature for her age").

Great book! Everyone should read.

Super

I read this book aloud to my grade 8 class. It sparked lots of discussions during Black History month. It involves the police shooting a young boy and in a twist you learn about the police officer’s daughter and how it has affected her as well. You can also do some history research about Emmitt Till so students get a better understanding about the ghost boy.

I first read this during my training year and I love the story its so hard hitting but in such a good way and really evokes discussion and conversation.

It was by pure chance that I read this book across the backdrop of yet another tragic killing of a black person in America. This story is powerful and compelling and the tragedy is that there is still so much to do to stop prejudice and the culture of fear that perpetuates these events. This would be a good book for 11+ to explore the issues of racism and pay witness to the victims of these terrible crimes.