Ghost Boys — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
An instant New York Times bestsellerAn instant IndieBound bestsellerThe #1 Kids' Indie Next PickA Walter Award winner
Only the living can make the world better. Live and make it better.
Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing.
Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. Emmett helps Jerome process what has happened, on a journey towards recognizing how historical racism may have led to the events that ended his life. Jerome also meets Sarah, the daughter of the police officer, who grapples with her father's actions.
Once again Jewell Parker Rhodes deftly weaves historical and socio-political layers into a gripping and poignant story about how children and families face the complexities of today's world, and how one boy grows to understand American blackness in the aftermath of his own death.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghost Boys appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story involves the shooting of a twelve-year-old Black boy, Jerome, by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real weapon. This incident is central to the narrative and reflects on systemic racism and police brutality. The book presents a harrowing story about the death of a child due to police violence, which may be considered scary or distressing for younger readers. It deals with heavy themes of loss and injustice.
Does Ghost Boys have violence?
The story involves the shooting of a twelve-year-old Black boy, Jerome, by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real weapon. This incident is central to the narrative and reflects on systemic racism and police brutality.
Does Ghost Boys have scary content?
The book presents a harrowing story about the death of a child due to police violence, which may be considered scary or distressing for younger readers. It deals with heavy themes of loss and injustice.
Does Ghost Boys have religious themes?
No religious content detected in the narrative of 'Ghost Boys'. The book addresses themes of racism and violence but does not include religious practices or beliefs.
Does Ghost Boys have racial/cultural content?
The narrative centers on the experiences of a Black boy who is killed due to racial bias, exploring themes of systemic racism and police brutality. It draws parallels to historical events like the murder of Emmett Till.
Does Ghost Boys have profanity?
No profanity detected in the search results for 'Ghost Boys'. The content is centered around serious social issues without the use of strong language.
Does Ghost Boys have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the narrative of 'Ghost Boys'. The content focuses on social justice and racial issues rather than environmental topics.
Does Ghost Boys have sexual identity?
No sexual content detected in the search results for 'Ghost Boys'. The focus is on themes of violence and racism.
Does Ghost Boys have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or themes related to gender expectations are detected in the search results for 'Ghost Boys'. The focus is primarily on race and violence.
Does Ghost Boys have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes detected in the search results for 'Ghost Boys'. The content focuses on issues of racism and police violence.
