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Middle School Writers' Symposium 2026

Mar 27, 2026Rebecca Moore
Jewell Parker Rhodes, author, with her dogs

Visiting Author Jewell Parker Rhodes

April 21, 2026

Photo credit: Jay Watson

Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes is the award-winning author of several books for youth including the New York Times bestsellers Ghost Boys and Black Brother, Black Brother. She is also the author of Paradise on Fire, Towers Falling, and the celebrated Louisiana Girls’ Trilogy: Ninth Ward, Sugar and Bayou Magic. 

Rhodes has visited hundreds of schools across the country and is a regular speaker at colleges and conferences. The driving force behind all of Jewell’s work is to inspire social justice, equity, and environmental stewardship.

Rhodes is the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and Narrative Studies Professor and Virginia G. Piper Endowed Chair at Arizona State University.  She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Carnegie-Mellon University. She enjoys teaching, walking her Toy Aussie Sheepdogs, theater, dancing, and music. Born in Pittsburgh, she now lives in Seattle. 

We will NOT be doing on-campus book sales for this visit, but books are available online from Bricks & Mortar Books; orders will be sent to the store, and I will pick them up after the event and get them to the students. See flyer below. Dr. Rhodes will unfortunately NOT have time to sign books.

Books in the Overlake Library

  • Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    Call Number: eBook J-F Rho
    ISBN: 9780316043052
    Publication Date: 2013-05-07
    In 1870, Reconstruction brings big changes to the Louisiana sugar plantation where spunky ten-year-old Sugar has always lived, including her friendship with Billy, the son of her former master, and the arrival of workmen from China.

  • Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    Call Number: J-F Rho
    ISBN: 9780316262286
    Publication Date: 2018-04-17
    "After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a white police officer, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till." --Publisher.

  • Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    Call Number: J-F Rho
    ISBN: 9780316493802
    Publication Date: 2020-03-03
    Suspended unjustly from elite Middlefield Prep, Donte Ellison studies fencing with a former champion, hoping to put the racist fencing team captain in his place.

  • Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    Call Number: J-F Rho
    ISBN: 9780316493833
    Publication Date: 2021-09-14
    "Bronx middle-grader Addy, who struggles with a family tragedy by drawing maps and studying mazes, joins other city youngsters on a wilderness adventure in California that turns deadly when wildfires erupt." --OCLC.

  • Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    ISBN: 9780316262224
    Publication Date: 2016-07-12
    "When her fifth-grade teacher hints that a series of lessons about home and community will culminate with one big answer about two tall towers once visible outside their classroom window, Deja can't help but feel confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to answering big questions about who she is, what America means, and how communities can grow (and heal), she uncovers new questions, too. Like, why does Pop get so angry when she brings up anything about the towers?" --GoodReads.com.

  • Treasure Island: Runaway Gold by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    ISBN: 9780062998354
    Publication Date: 2023-10-03
    Zane, his friends, and his dog embark on a treasure hunt in Manhattan, guided by a sailor with knowledge of Black New York’s history. Facing a rival crew and uncovering hidden dangers, they navigate trust and adventure in search of buried gold. --Publisher/OpenAI.

  • Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    Call Number: eBook J-F Rho
    ISBN: 9780316043083
    Publication Date: 2012-04-10
    In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha, who can see spirits, and her adopted grandmother have no choice but to stay and weather the storm as Hurricane Katrina bears down upon them.

  • Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes

    Call Number: eBook J-F Rho
    ISBN: 9780316224857
    Publication Date: 2016-05-03
    Visiting her grandmother in the Louisiana bayou, ten-year-old Maddy begins to realize that she may be the only sibling to carry on the gift of her family's magical legacy.