Mason vs. Ghosts

This was a very hard decision. We really liked both books. 

We loved Mason, perhaps more than we would have loved him in the (sweaty) flesh. We recognize that many students could identify with him and what he faces. Bullying is everywhere. But maybe his story is too easy to identify with. Connor uses a lot of themes and motifs that have been pretty common in middle grades fiction lately. And there is a striking resemblance to Freak the Mighty. So, unique but familiar?

For our population, Ghost Boys is much less familiar. Extreme poverty, violent neighbourhoods, and fear of the police are not part of our students' daily lives. Maybe that's why they need to read this book. It's an important reminder that we cannot forget the injustices people of colour have faced and continue to face. It's also brilliant because it shows two sides to the story. While it is very easy to demonize the police, Jewell Parker Rhodes gave us a glimpse into the police officer's thoughts and fears, and the impact on his life and family. 

Renée read Ghost Boys aloud to her class (the last chapter via Google Classroom after classes were suspended). They were hooked when it started with Jerome's death. They were fascinated. They did not know the history with Emmett Till. They were furious that the judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to lay charges. Although it was often hard to tell when or where we were in the story and sometimes even who was speaking, they were excited to hear more. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle would be on Renée's list to read with her struggling 7s. They'd love it, despite the slow bits in the middle. 

After much debate, we're casting our three votes for Ghost Boys.

Zombies:

Dianne - The Prince and the Dressmaker

Megan - The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle (or The Benefits of Being an Octopus if Mason advances)

Renée - Sadie