Jewell Parker Rhodes's passion for storytelling ignited upon discovering the rich literary landscape of African American authors, shifting her focus from dance to writing. Her compelling body of work, which includes numerous children's books and novels for adults, delves into profound themes with a distinctive narrative voice. She masterfully explores experiences and emotions, making her stories resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Beyond her writing, Rhodes actively engages with young readers and contributes to the literary community through teaching.
Set in modern-day Manhattan, this reimagining of a classic tale follows three children on a thrilling treasure hunt. They must uncover the city's hidden history while evading a menacing crew of skater kids. As they navigate challenges and deception, the young adventurers face tough decisions about trust and friendship in their quest for a long-buried treasure.
When 12-year-old Jerome is killed by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one, Jerome becomes a ghost. As he watches his family grieve, he begins to notice other ghost boys and quickly realises they remain on earth for a reason. As the other ghost boys' stories are revealed, Jerome learns they all have something in common.
A compelling, evocative and fascinating collection of anonymous stories from the world of London strip clubs, documented by the women themselves
From the bestselling author of Ghost Boys comes a powerful survival tale set during a furious forest fire, exploring issues of race, class, and climate change. Hatchet for a new generation of 9+ young readers.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1921. A white woman and a black man are alone in an elevator. Suddenly, the woman screams, the man runs out, and the chase to capture and lynch him begins. When Joe, a young man trying to be the next Houdini, is accused of rape, he must perform his greatest escape by eluding a bloodthirsty lynch mob. And Mary, the motherless daughter of a farmer who tries to marry her off to the farmhand who viciously raped her, must find the courage to help exonerate the man she had accused with her panicked cry. Based on true events, Magic City is a portrait of an era, climaxing in the heroic but doomed stand that pitted the National Guard against a small band of black men determined to defend the town they had built into the "Negro Wall Street."
From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.
A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.
From award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful novel set fifteen years after the 9/11 attacks - now in paperback.
The story explores the enchanting world of mermaids through Maddy's eyes, raising questions about belief and reality. As Maddy encounters a mysterious mermaid, the narrative delves into themes of imagination and the magic of childhood. The connection between Maddy and the mermaid invites readers to ponder the nature of perception and the power of seeing beyond the ordinary. This whimsical tale encourages embracing wonder and the possibility that magic exists for those who dare to believe.
From Jewell Parker Rhodes, the author of Towers Falling and Ninth Ward (a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a Today show Al's Book Club for Kids pick) comes a tale of a strong, spirited young girl who rises beyond her circumstances and inspires others to work toward a brighter future. Ten-year-old Sugar lives on the River Road sugar plantation along the banks of the Mississippi. Slavery is over, but laboring in the fields all day doesn't make her feel very free. Thankfully, Sugar has a knack for finding her own fun, especially when she joins forces with forbidden friend Billy, the white plantation owner's son. Sugar has always yearned to learn more about the world, and she sees her chance when Chinese workers are brought in to help harvest the cane. The older River Road folks feel threatened, but Sugar is fascinated. As she befriends young Beau and elder Master Liu, they introduce her to the traditions of their culture, and she, in turn, shares the ways of plantation life. Sugar soon realizes that she must be the one to bridge the cultural gap and bring the community together. Here is a story of unlikely friendships and how they can change our lives forever.
