GHOSTS: By Raina Telgemeier
Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake -- and her own.
Emma's Review:
I took a break from my YA book this week to read GHOSTS, a much anticipated new juvenile graphic novel. I love everything about Raina Telgemeier. I can NEVER keep her books in my classroom library, they are always checked out to a kid who is dying to get their hands on them. I am super pumped about GHOSTS because the entire book celebrates Dia De Los Muertos in a way only Telgemeier can put down on a page. I teach in a community where hispanic culture is extremely relevant, yet there are not many options for books that my kiddos can relate to. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING! Not only will the kids be (literally) waiting in line to borrow a copy, but I KNOW they'll be talking about it too and be able to make some super text to self connections.
Now on the adult side (I know, I get really excited about my students and tend to rant for their sake, sorry I'm not sorry!) this book is a quick, easy, FUN read (I finished it in an hour), and will leave you with all the warm fuzzy feelings. I love seeing how the sisters relationship developed in a very real way, including the "UGH WHY DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO INCLUDE YOU IN EVERYTHING!?!" angst from the big sister. Getting deeper, the story of Dia De Los Muertos can be hard to convey to a person who is not familiar with the celebration, however GHOSTS does a perfect job. The characters actually SEE their loved ones coming to visit them, and gives a whole new perspective on death and dying. Who knew one book could feed so much deep thinking, while also being incredibly fun, and insightful!
Love this book for myself, EVEN BETTER for my kiddos. I can't wait to see their faces on Monday when I bring it to the classroom. They're going to FLIP! (and so will my heart :))
Audience: 7+
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Happy Reading!
Emma!
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