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July Read - Black Brother, Black Brother
By Kristen · 15 posts · 173 views
By Kristen · 15 posts · 173 views
last updated Aug 24, 2020 01:38PM
What Members Thought
Love the concept but felt like many of the characters only existed so that they could be mouthpieces for a message and not because they were actually essential to the story. I think kids will generally be okay with that and I do think that it would a great book to read in small groups, where kids could discuss some of the big concepts the book addresses, but for me it felt a little too much like an after-school special.
3.5 stars, but rounded up for two reasons:
1. I was reading this book to a class. Then I got super sick and missed 3 out of 5 days. So a sub read a chunk of the middle, then I read the end, then I went back and filled in the middle on my own. Not the best way to experience a book.
2. There are several books out right now about police violence against black youth, but this one is rare in that it's aimed at tweens and younger teens. These kids really need to think about this stuff too. ...more
1. I was reading this book to a class. Then I got super sick and missed 3 out of 5 days. So a sub read a chunk of the middle, then I read the end, then I went back and filled in the middle on my own. Not the best way to experience a book.
2. There are several books out right now about police violence against black youth, but this one is rare in that it's aimed at tweens and younger teens. These kids really need to think about this stuff too. ...more
Nov 30, 2018
Kimberly
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
adolescent-literature
What an important book! I found myself in tears as I finished this during my first period today. Ghost Boys is about 12 year old Jerome, who is shot and killed by a police officer. This is an extremely divisive issue that brings so much fear and anger. However, the author presents the story with amazing understanding of all parts of this complicated issue. You don’t want to blame anyone, you just see the need for more understanding and empathy to create change. This book is written for young rea
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Heavy topic, heavy read - lots to think about. Read at the same time as wonder - really goes back to kindness. Yes, there is the discussion of race and prejudice, but doesn't that all boil down to being kind and respectful
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I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
Timely and very accessible for middle grade readers.
This book had a different approach but I liked that it took an important issue on racial intolerances and was written on more of a child's level.
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Powerful.
This is The Hate You Give for the middle school crowd. Perfect for starting conversations about systemic racism with 8+. Highly recommended!
This is The Hate You Give for the middle school crowd. Perfect for starting conversations about systemic racism with 8+. Highly recommended!
A good, important read. Though, there is something missing, I can't quite put my finger on it. Whether it's the writing or just something in the plot.
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May 25, 2018
Holly
marked it as to-read
Jun 14, 2020
Crystal
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
death,
middle-grade,
realistic,
friendship,
fear,
bullying,
civil-rights,
race,
audiobook,
diversity-on-the-shelf-2020
Aug 29, 2018
Donna
marked it as to-read
Sep 20, 2018
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Oct 15, 2018
Laurie Schneider
added it
Nov 14, 2018
Melissa
added it
May 03, 2019
Brandi Rae Fong
added it
