Taxi Ghost: A Graphic Novel

Escabasse (the Witches of Brooklyn series) suffuses this graphic novel tale of typical tween angst with a magical realism twist. Young Adèle is overwhelmed enough dealing with acne, awkwardness, and the start of her first period. But with her maturation comes an additional wrinkle: Adèle can now see ghosts. Over winter break, which she had hoped would be quiet and uneventful, Adèle meets a ghost hacker and persistent gentleman, whom she dubs Mustache Ghost. Her new acquaintance reveals that he belongs to a spectral club aiming to protect Montreal against ruthless developers-- a principle that Adèle's living grandmother also champions--and embroils Adèle in his plight. Adèle's sarcastic yet kindhearted narration renders her struggles to balance her new abilities and the everyday challenges of growing up with perceptive relatability. Ghost characters are easily distinguishable in Escabasse's expressive artwork, which depicts them in a soft palette of pinks and greens and adds a touch of surreality to the grounded metropolitan setting. In this empowering and fanciful ghost story, the creator tackles issues such as gentrification, the afterlife, and cultural traditions surrounding menstruation. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5-8--Esteemed graphic novelist Escabasse brings readers along a ride from Brooklyn to Montreal through the story of a young girl named Adéle who is embracing her recently discovered abilities, despite familial pressure to ignore them. During winter break, Adéle is surprised to learn she can see and communicate with ghosts. It's an ability passed down to the women of her family when a young woman gets her period. Though Adéle's grandmother is adamant that she learns how to keep ghosts away, Adéle chooses to try and help a ghost that has asked for her aid. With lots of humor and a smattering of adventure and even romance, Escabasse's latest supernatural tale will delight young readers. Vibrant artwork with pops of color, expressive characters, and beautiful scenic panels guarantee this book will be as much of a hit as Escabasse's popular graphic novel, Witches of Brooklyn. VERDICT Every library that already owns Escabasse's previous work will want to add this to their shelves.--Esther Keller

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"An appealing and creative coming-of-age tale."

"A smart fantasy firmly grounded in real-world issues." 

"Fans of Escabasse's Witches of Brooklyn will be charmed by the Montreal wintry vibes and fun expressive characters in this standalone graphic novel." —The Bulletin