Help me give my students 50 copies of the book, "Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes that will help open up a dialogue on race/racism in the classroom in a powerful and meaningful way.
Being 11 years old is already a challenging task. Growing up in a city where the odds are stacked against them only adds to the challenges a child faces. The 6th graders I teach have powerful voices and stories that they share with the class. They bring their funds of knowledge from home, and it enhances the academic experience for anyone who steps foot into our classroom.
If I had to describe my students in one word, it would be eager: eager to laugh, question, argue, research, play, and most importantly, to learn.
I have the opportunity to teach a diverse heterogeneous group of students in the heart of Worcester. My students enjoy thought-provoking projects that allow them to engage in conversations where they can share their thoughts and question societal norms. They crave the opportunity to learn about the world around them, specifically through reading. My 6th graders love reading stories that offer them a new perspective and forces them to look at their views through a critical lens. They are truly inspiring.
My Project
The “Ghost Boys” by Jewell Parker Rhodes is an illuminating novel that would help open a dialogue about race/racism in our society. We are at a point in time where difficult conversations surrounding race/racism are paramount in the strive for equality. The goal of this project is to better support and educate the students in front of us.
The novel will help create both windows and mirrors for our students in a powerful and meaningful way.
Representation in books is essential for children, and it is important to offer literature that tells a story that they recognize, know, and can picture. The story is about a 12-year old black boy who is killed by a white police officer. Then the main character is visited by the ghost of Emmett Till. The novel has a natural place in our curriculum, specifically during our Civil Rights unit, because it draws connections from history and adds commentary on current events.
The students would be incredibly grateful for the 50 books that would help them become more engaged and increase academic achievement. Those 50 books would reach and benefit 120 students (shared across 6 ELA classes).
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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