Reviews for Ghosts
School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Gr 4-8-Catrina and her family have just moved to Northern California. Bahía de la Luna is different from Cat's hometown-for one thing, everyone is obsessed with ghosts-but the sea air makes it easier for Cat's younger sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis (CF), to breathe. Carlos, a new friend and neighbor, introduces the girls to a different perspective on the spiritual world. Ghosts, he says, aren't frightening; they're the spirits of loved ones. Cat has her doubts-especially after a ghostly encounter puts Maya in the hospital-but as Day of the Dead celebrations draw closer, she starts to reconsider. Readers will relate to these realistically flawed characters. Maya is frank about her illness and optimistic despite her awareness that her prognosis is poor, while Cat struggles, feeling intensely protective of her sister, anxious about her illness, and resentful about the limitations that Maya's condition places upon the whole family. Themes such as the sibling bond, death, and culture are expertly woven throughout. As Cat comes to terms with the existence of ghosts, she also navigates her background (her father is white, while her mother is Mexican). Telgemeier employs the cheerful cartoon artwork that fans of Smile, Drama, and Sisters know and love, but her palette is more muted in places, fitting the book's somewhat serious and somber themes. VERDICT A can't-miss addition to middle grade graphic novel shelves; hand to fans of the author and newcomers alike.-Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.
*Starred Review* Cat and her family move to foggy, windy Bahía de la Luna for her little sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, since the new climate will be better for her health. Though she's initially distraught, Cat eventually settles in, but her next-door neighbor Carlos, who won't shut up about the ghosts that visit their town, is a constant thorn in her side. Bouncy, gregarious Maya is thrilled at the thought of meeting ghosts they struggle to breathe, just like her, and she's eager to have some reassurances about death, since she knows hers is coming. But Cat is terrified, especially after Maya finally meets the ghosts and the exertion puts her in the hospital for weeks. Telgemeier deftly weaves serious topics through the breezy presentation and masterfully and concisely adds layers of meaning with small gestures that subtly nudge at feelings about death. Cat's and Maya's reactions to ghosts exemplify each girl's fear and acceptance, respectively, and their mother's wistful regrets over her relationship with her departed Mexican mother add yet another bittersweet perspective. The bright tones and wonderfully expressive figures of the racially diverse cast, not to mention the jaunty, friendly ghosts that waft over the windswept beach town, make this compassionate, approachable, and gentle story about death irresistible. Telgemeier has her finger on the pulse of middle-grade readers, and this might be her best yet. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: New Raina Telgemeier! Need we say more? OK, fine: this one comes with a six-figure first-print run.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2016 Booklist
