Embedded Files
Students finishing 5th grade and 7th grade in June of 2019 may read Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes over the summer.
Students finishing 5th grade and 7th grade in June of 2019 may read Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes over the summer.
*Starred Review* Jerome, a young black boy gunned down while playing in a park with a toy gun, invites readers to bear witness to his story, to the tragedy of being dispatched simply because of a policeman's internalized prejudice masquerading as fear. One day at school, while he and his new friend Carlos are being bullied, Carlos pulls out a toy gun to scare their attackers. Afterward, he gives it to Jerome so he can have a chance to play with it, to pretend that he is in charge. But when he is shot in the back while running from the police, his soul leaves his body and he becomes one of the army of ghost boys hoping to communicate with those still consumed with racial bias. While looking in on the preliminary court hearing, Jerome realizes that the police officer's daughter can see and talk to him, and together they try to understand how the world around them could be so cruel. Rhodes (Sugar, 2013; Towers Falling, 2016) beautifully weaves together the fictional and the historical-Jerome comes across the ghosts of real-life individuals like Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin-in this gripping and all-too-necessary novel about police brutality, injustice, and the power of bearing witness to the stories of those who are gone. Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.
Learning Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
Interactive Social Justice Walk
Interactive Social Justice Walk
Williston Central School students may access this interactive walk. Meander your way through the halls, see what you already know, and learn something new!
Community Book Club
Community Book Club
Students in grades 6 & 8, caregivers and teachers are invited to a book club style conversation at the Charlotte Central School Library on the eve of our district-wide celebration. Let’s bring our books, questions and perspectives together in a conversation facilitated by librarian Mrs. Huestis.
September 4, 5:00-6:00
Reflection Activity
Reflection Activity
The reflection activity included in your welcome packets may be dropped off before September 3. Collection boxes will be available during the summer months at Charlotte Central School, Hinesburg Community School, and Williston Central School. You may drop off at any of these locations.
Poetry Response
Poetry Response
Drop by the Hinesburg Community School Library during their summer hours to pick up materials and inspiration to create a poetic book response.
July 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th, 29th, 31st (Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00-12:00).
Book Poster Social (HCS Students Only)
Book Poster Social (HCS Students Only)
August 26th , 4:00-4:30 (While students visit classrooms, prior to ice cream social). Hinesburg Students Only .
4th, 6th and 8th graders can drop by the Hinesburg Community School library to add thoughts and drawings about the Common Read book they read to a large poster. Talk with other students and/or Ms. Stanley, the librarian, about the book you read. An opportunity to share about each of the Common Read titles.
Ghost Boys Flipgrid
Ghost Boys Flipgrid
Share your questions, reactions, and thoughts about the book on this Flipgrid.
Identify an injustice happening today. What do you wonder?
- Please keep in mind all that you know about being a safe, kind, and responsible digital citizen in your response here and to others. Responses will be monitored by teachers. Make us proud!
- If you are not comfortable using a camera for video, it is okay to cover it. We value your voice.
- You will need to use your @cvsdvt.org email address to access the Flipgrid. (Select Login with Google)
Related Reads
Related Reads
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Amina, a Pakistani-American Muslim girl, struggles to stay true to her family's culture while dealing with the vandalism of the local Islamic Center and mosque and her best friend Soojin's new friendship with their former nemesis. Grades 4 & up.
The Stars Beneath our Feet by David Barclay Moore
Unable to celebrate the holidays in the wake of his older brother's death in a gang-related shooting, 12-year-old Lolly Rachpaul struggles to avoid being forced into a gang himself while constructing a fantastically creative LEGO city at the Harlem community center. Grades 5 & up.
How I Became Ghost by Tim Tingle
Isaac, a Choctaw boy, tells of his tribe's removal from its homeland and how the exodus led him to become a ghost-one able to help those left behind. Grades 5 & up.
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
When six students are chosen to participate in a weekly talk with no adults allowed, they discover that when they're together, it's safe to share the hopes and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. Grades 5 & up.
Swing by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess
Noah and his best friend Walt want to become cool, make the baseball team, and win over Sam, the girl Noah has loved for years. When Noah finds old love letters, Walt hatches a plan to woo Sam. But as Noah's love life and Walt's baseball career begin, the letters alter everything. Grades 8 & up.
Compiled by more than 60 State and National Teachers of the Year and Finalists, this list offers additional titles to explore and is organized into sections according to interest level.
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