Fabulous reads – ‘Haunting’ tale raises awareness on racism

Ghost Boys, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Pan Macmillan

JEROME Rogers is a good kid. He gets good grades, does his best to please and protect his mother, father and grandmother, despite being mercilessly bullied and isolated at school.

However, his life was cut short just as he met a potential friend.

At the age of 12 he was shot and killed by a policeman who claimed he thought the boy’s toy gun was a real weapon.

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Now as a ghost, the reader follows Jerome as he witnesses how his death has devastated his community and family. He watches his family struggle as they mourn his death and suffer through the trial.

Ironically, the only person who can see Jerome is Sarah – the daughter of the policeman who killed him. Jerome, while working through his own hatred for her father, helps Sarah with her own anger and grief at her father’s actions.

The somber tale of Ghost Boys has been published as systemic racism and violence towards the black communities have dominated headlines. It speaks directly to the Black Lives Matter movement.

It definitely has the potential to create discussion on the topic.

As simple as the writing style is (it was published as an educational tool for children) the story was gripping, at times leaving one choking back tears with a lump in the throat. It is great read for young and old.

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