Jewell Parker Rhodes Libri

Awarded the prestigious 2003 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award and the Black Caucus of the ALA Literary Award, this book showcases exceptional writing that resonates with depth and insight. It explores themes of identity, culture, and social justice, weaving together powerful narratives that challenge and inspire. The author’s unique voice and perspective invite readers to engage with complex issues, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.

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.

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.

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."

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.

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a heartbreaking and uplifting tale of survival in the face of Hurricane Katrina. Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful hurricane--Katrina--fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm. From the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Boys and Towers Falling, Ninth Ward is a deeply emotional story about transformation and a celebration of resilience, friendship, and family--as only love can define it.

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.

Focusing on the life of Marie Laveau, a renowned figure in New Orleans' history, the narrative explores her role as a powerful voodoo priestess and healer. It delves into her complex relationships, the cultural backdrop of 19th-century Louisiana, and her legendary status within both the local community and broader folklore. Themes of magic, resilience, and the intersection of spirituality and society are woven throughout, revealing how Laveau's legacy continues to influence modern perceptions of voodoo and mysticism.