Ghost Book
by Remy Lai (Author)
Perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Coco, and Ghosts comes a spooky fantasy graphic novel about the friendship between a girl who can see ghosts and a boy who is stuck between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die. July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren't real. So she pretends they don't exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He's a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth--for William to live, July must die.
Inspired by Chinese mythology, this dark yet resoundingly hopeful tale about friendship, sacrifice, and the unseen world of ghosts is a dazzling heir to beloved Studio Ghibli classics.
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School Library Journal
Gr 4 Up--Mild horror and humor collide in this delightful graphic novel inspired by Chinese mythology, set during Hungry Ghost month. All kinds of ghosts fill the halls of Redhill Elementary, home to the gates of the Underworld. July Chen, 12, pretends she can't see the ghosts in her school so as to appear normal, but the spirit of a wandering soul named William Xiao is persistent in enlisting her help to free himself from a series of tragic events. Solid character development and plot drive this tale that touches on friendship, family, loss, and legend. Fans of Lai's other works, such as Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall, will note her signature art style evident in the book, though the full color is heavy on darker blues and greens, which set the perfect tone for the spookier elements of the story. VERDICT Fans of Lai's other works, as well as Kat Leyh's Snapdragon, and Emma Steinkellner's "The Okay Witch" series will enjoy this modern ghost story with a hopeful ending. Recommended first purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections.--Monisha Blair
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
Lai (Pawcasso) navigates profound questions of fate and friendship via Chinese mythology in this playful graphic novel ghost story. Twelve-year-old July Chen goes largely unnoticed by kids at school and even her own father, making her feel invisible. But thanks to her ability to see ghosts, she meets tween William Xiao, her first friend, whose soul is trapped between life and death following a near-fatal experience. July offers to help William return to his body, resulting in the duo journeying through the underworld. There, they learn that because of a secret deal July's dad struck with the King of the Underworld's henchmen, the fates of July and William, born on the same day in the same hospital, have been twined since infanthood. In Lai's richly imagined underworld--populated by silly and creepy ghosts, tile-roofed houses, and stands selling cuisines such as Dancing Soup and Honesty Soup--the new friends must outsmart the shepherds of the underworld if they hope to uncover the secrets of their past and save William. Animated illustrations featuring dreamlike backdrops and bold hues render both a youthful adventure and a mature meditation on the double-edged sword of memory. Ages 8-12. (Aug.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Kirkus
A delightful balance of spooky, sweet, and funny.
Review quotes
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
"Absolutely gorgeous and a completely unique adventure. Remy Lai is a master storyteller!" —Christina Soontornvat, two-time Newbery Honor Winner "Spooky, spellbinding and full of heart!" —Kayla Miller, bestselling author of Click"A deliciously spooky, funny adventure. I adored this story of friendship, loss, love, and dumplings! July Chen is a kid I would gladly follow to the Underworld and back." —Jessica Townsend, bestselling author of The Nevermoor series * "An entertaining, engaging read with echoes of Miyazaki's film Spirited Away." —Horn Book, starred review * "Lai navigates profound questions of fate and friendship via Chinese mythology in this playful graphic novel ghost story [with a] richly imagined underworld." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Lai is a master of middle-grade sensibilities . . . An unforgettable adventure full of surprises, laughs, ghosts, and dumplings." —Booklist, starred review
* For kids who eat up graphic novels like Anya's Ghost, Pilu of the Woods, and Ghosts, Ghost Book will make a perfect addition to their shelves." —BookPage, starred review "A delightful balance of spooky, sweet, and funny." —Kirkus
JUV008110 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Humorous
JUV008080 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Fantasy
