I received an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) from Netgalley and Little Brown for the purpose of a review and to see if I would be able to use it in my classroom.

The graphic novel Ghost Boys offers a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of racial injustice, memory, and the power of storytelling. From its very first pages, the author takes a bold narrative risk by opening with the protagonist’s death. This unusual structure immediately challenges readers to view the story through a different lens—one where grief, injustice, and reflection replace the usual suspense of survival. The result is an intense emotional connection to the protagonist’s life and voice, even after death.

A central strength of the novel lies in its nuanced portrayal of relationships, particularly between the protagonist’s family and the police officer involved in the tragedy. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about forgiveness, accountability, and the societal biases that shape how justice is understood. This complexity encourages readers to wrestle with uncomfortable truths rather than accept simple answers.

One of the most striking creative choices is the inclusion of Emmett Till as a mentor figure. By weaving him into the narrative, the author links the story to a broader history of racial violence and injustice in America. This choice not only contextualizes the protagonist’s experience but also emphasizes how the past continues to resonate in the present. It reminds readers that individual tragedies are part of a larger, ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.

Ultimately, Ghost Boys uses the medium of graphic storytelling to amplify its themes of justice, memory, and social responsibility. The art and words together create a powerful commentary on how stories—whether drawn, spoken, or remembered—can become tools for awareness and change. More than a story about loss, this novel is a call to examine the world around us and consider how we might confront the injustices that remain.

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