Cambridge Street Upper School was thrilled to welcome best-selling author of adult and children’s books, Jewell Parker Rhodes, as a guest speaker. Dr. Rhodes has received many awards, including a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for her novel,
Ninth Ward.
This inspiring author gave a presentation to the eighth grade students about her newest novel,
Ghost Boys, in which a twelve-year-old boy is shot by a police officer because he is playing with a toy gun. Gathered in an intimate conversation with the students, Dr. Rhodes spoke about historical and contemporary racial injustices, and the power our students have to change the world. The students were entranced by her words and her call for action.
During a question and answer period, the students were eager to learn about her writing process and her emotional connection to her work. Dr. Rhodes shared that this book took her two-and-a-half years to write because of the difficult subject matter. She spoke about her research process and the close relationship she has with her various characters.
Each eighth grade student received a copy of
Ghost Boys, thanks to the Porter Square Book Foundation, and Dr. Rhodes signed every single one of them. Many of the students have already started or finished her book! We are honored that Dr. Rhodes shared her time with us and we look forward to the stories she will tell next.