In the author’s afterword, Jewell Parker Rhodes shares her goal in writing this novel: “My
hope is that parents and teachers will read Ghost Boys with their children and students,
and discuss racial prejudices and tensions that still haunt America. Through discussion,
awareness, and societal and civic action, I hope our youth will be able to dismantle
personal and systemic racism” (pg. 206).
What did Ghost Boys teach you about the history of racism and racial violence in
America?
» Write about the parallels you see between the book and this moment in
American history, when so many people are stepping forward to demand an
end to police brutality. What racial prejudices and tensions do you think still
“haunt America”?
» What do the characters in the story do to fight systemic racism? What can we
learn from their developing awareness and actions to build a more just and
inclusive world?
» What can you do to stand up to personal and systemic racism in your
community?
