by Raina Telgemeier
256 pages; ages 8-12
Graphix (Scholastic), 2016
Graphic novels don’t usually find their way into my library book bag, but this one has depth to its story. Plus it’s about Día de Muertos.
Catrina (Cat) is moving to the coast of Northern California with her family in hopes that the cool, salty air will help her sister, Maya’s cystic fibrosis. But Cat will miss her friends. On one of their explorations they discover an arcade on a boardwalk – an arcade that is closed, dark, dusty. Then they hear … footsteps … and it’s a guy who asks if they are there for the ghost tour.
Wait! Ghosts? Real ghosts?
Sure, he says. They hang out in the area – and on Día de Muertos the townspeople gather for a party and invite the ghosts to take part. You can almost hear Cat roll her eyes. At least until she meets some of the ghosts on their own turf. The ghosts really bother her; to find out why you’ll need to read the book.
While Cat does everything she can to avoid ghostly contact, Maya constructs an ofrenda (altar) for their grandmother. Then Cat meets an elderly ghost at the celebration - Is it her her grandmother?
Thanks for dropping by today. On Monday we'll be hanging out at Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with other bloggers. It's over at Greg Pattridge's blog, Always in the Middle, so hop over to see what other people are reading. Review copy from the library.
Ghosts is one of my favorite books of all time! If you enjoyed it, you should try some of her other books: her newest, a graphic memoir called Guts, is amazing! Thanks so much for the review!
ReplyDeleteThis is a new-to-me author since I don't usually read graphic novels. Thanks for sharing this book with us for MMGM, Sue.
ReplyDeleteI like graphic and wordless picture books, but I haven't read many novels. I've heard so many good things about this novel -- and I reviewed an MG novel with a similar theme -- that I should read a copy. Enjoyed your review.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that about hearing good things about GHOSTS. I like an occasional graphic novel and this one is definitely going to be my next. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually a little hesitant to pick up graphic novels. I think it's because I'm not really sure how to review them or if I am reviewing them correctly. I do love the subject of this one - ghosts and Dia de Muertos. A fun and perfect combo for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot about this book. I've read some of Raina's other books and enjoyed them. I will be checking this one out. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteI loved this when I read it. I think Raina Telgemeier is so talented and really knows how to capture the middle grade reader. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually read graphic novels. But this one sounds good. I'll see if I can find it at the library.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one yet, but I do love graphic novels. I know this author is very popular with the kids I know. :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Jess