Jerome is a 12 year old African American boy who is shot and killed by a police officer while playing with his toy gun. As his spirit rises, as a ghost, he is able to observe the heartbreak wrought upon his family, as well as the devastation and acrimony brought upon his community.
We get to know Jerome from chapters alternating between when he was alive and his current state as a ghost. We learn that Jerome was a very average, unassuming young man with potential. As a ghost, he is confused as to why he was killed, and needs answers. He meets the ghost of Emmitt Till, the African American boy lynched in the 50's, who helps Jerome understand and process what has happened to him. As he visits the home of the police officer who shot him, he discovers that there is one living person that can see and communicate with him...the young daughter of the police officer.
What this situation sets up allows the story to explain and explore the systemic racism our country faces, the devastation wrought upon the families and communities in which it occurs, and allows us to explore both sides; the side of the victim of the racism, and the perpetrator.
Well written, Jewell Parker Rhodes as created a perfect vehicle, at a perfect time, to learn, discuss and explore our options/solutions to the systemic racism/#BlackLivesMatter facing our country to young people.
Mark's Book Pick Score: 4
Reading Level: 3 • Interest Level: 5-9 • AR Points: 3AR • Lexile:360L • Publisher: Little, Brown • 217 Pages • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-316-26226-2 • Available in Perma-Bound binding
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