Meet Jewell

Award-winning children’s fiction author inspiring social justice and environmental stewardship

About Jewell Parker Rhodes

Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes is the award-winning author of several books for youth including the New York Times bestsellers Ghost Boys, Black Brother, Black Brother, and Will’s Race for Home.

The driving force behind all of Jewell’s work is to inspire social justice, equity, and environmental stewardship. She is the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and Narrative Studies Professor at Arizona State University.

a portrait of Jewell Parker Rhodes near a pool with her two happy dogs

Listen to Jewell

Why My Name is "Jewell"

An intimate audio recording where Jewell shares the story behind her name.

Block Party

Jewell Parker Rhodes reminisces about growing up in Manchester, Pittsburgh – the relationships she built with her neighbors, the games she played with her friends, and the big block parties that brought everyone together.

Order Block Party