Telgemeier, Raina . Ghosts.

Telgemeier, Raina .  Ghosts.  Scholastic/Graphix  2016  239p  $10.99    ISBN 978-0-545-54062-9  Paperback  elem/ms      VG-BN

Upper-elementary and middle-school students who are fans of Raina Telgemeier will appreciate her new title Ghosts. Written in a graphic-novel format, the novel introduces Catrina (Cat) and her little sister Maya, who is sick as she suffers from cystic fibrosis.  When the family moves to the northern coastal town of Baha de la Luna from southern California so that the weather will be more favorable to Maya’s health, Cat is not happy. She misses her old friends, as it is hard for her to make new ones, but she knows that moving would be best for Maya. The girls learn about their new town and its famous yearly Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, as the town embraces ghost sightings and tours. Cat is terrified of ghosts, while Maya is intrigued. Maya’s disease brings her in touch with death, and the issue of dying is presented in a respectful manner by the author. Students will cheer for Maya as she battles her sickness. Even Cat comes to terms with the ghosts and her new friendship with Carlos, and puts her fears aside.

The author includes colorful illustrations, sketches, and factual information about Dia De Los Muertos and cystic fibrosis.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, a test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 184470).  The title would make an excellent addition to an elementary or middle-school collection for casual reading.    

Summary: “Catrina and her family have moved to the coast of northern California for the sake of her little sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis. Cat is even less happy about the move when she is told that her new town is inhabited by ghosts.” 

Moving house-Fiction, Illness-Fiction                 —Charleen Forba-MacCain