Picture a storyteller who weaves magic and social justice into tales that linger in your heart—meet Jewell Parker Rhodes! This American author has captivated readers with her poignant novels for children and young adults, blending the supernatural with real-world issues like racial inequality and resilience. From her Newbery Honor-winning Ninth Ward to the haunting Ghost Boys, Rhodes’s stories spark conversations and inspire change, making her a vital voice in modern literature.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rhodes grew up in a vibrant African-American community, where her grandmother’s storytelling ignited her love for words. Today, her books challenge young readers to confront tough topics with empathy, proving that stories can be both enchanting and transformative.
The Making of Jewell Parker Rhodes
Jewell Parker Rhodes was born in 1954 in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood, a close-knit African-American community. Raised by her grandparents after her mother left, Rhodes found solace in books and her grandmother Ernestine’s oral tales, which shaped her storytelling passion. She wrote her first children’s book at eight, binding it in yellow construction paper. Initially a drama major at Carnegie Mellon University, Rhodes switched to creative writing after discovering African-American literature, earning a BA, MA, and Doctor of Arts in English. Her early career included teaching, but her heart was set on writing stories that reflected her heritage and values.
Jewell Parker Rhodes’s Unforgettable Stories
Rhodes’s novels are a masterful blend of historical and contemporary themes, often infused with magical realism. Her debut children’s novel, Ninth Ward (2010), follows 12-year-old Lanesha navigating Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. This Coretta Scott King Honor book captures resilience and hope, drawing from Rhodes’s own experiences with natural disasters. Ghost Boys (2018), a New York Times bestseller, tackles police brutality through the ghost of a Black boy, weaving in historical figures like Emmett Till to explore racial injustice. The Louisiana Girls Trilogy—Ninth Ward, Sugar, and Bayou Magic—celebrates strong Black girls facing adversity with courage. Black Brother, Black Brother (2020) addresses biracial identity and systemic racism through a fencing competition, showcasing Rhodes’s ability to make complex issues accessible to young readers.
Her writing style is lyrical yet direct, using authentic voices to draw readers into richly detailed settings. Themes of community, equity, and environmental stewardship run through her work, reflecting her belief that stories can empower young people to change the world. Rhodes’s adult novels, like Voodoo Dreams and Douglass’ Women, explore historical figures with similar depth, but her children’s books shine for their emotional resonance and social impact.
Why Jewell Parker Rhodes Matters
Jewell Parker Rhodes’s work transcends entertainment, fostering dialogue about race, justice, and resilience. Her books are taught in schools, sparking discussions on social inequality among young readers, whom she sees as empathetic and unbiased. As the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University, Rhodes mentors aspiring writers, amplifying diverse voices. Her numerous awards—including the American Book Award, Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from Carnegie Mellon—reflect her influence. By centering Black experiences and universal themes, Rhodes inspires readers to confront injustice with compassion and action.
- Born: 1954, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Ninth Ward, Ghost Boys, Black Brother, Black Brother, Louisiana Girls Trilogy
- Awards: Coretta Scott King Honor, Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award, Walter Award
Ready to dive into a world of magic and meaning? Snag Ghost Boys or Ninth Ward and let Jewell Parker Rhodes’s stories inspire you!