A review by emily_m_green
Ghost by Jason Reynolds

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

When Castle first stumbles into a track practice, he can’t believe that anyone would need to practice running—it is just something the body does. However, his competitive streak kicks in and he starts racing against one of the team members. The impressed coach asks his name and Castle tells him to call him Ghost. He allows himself to be talked into going out for the team. Coach makes clear, however, that if he wants to be on the team, he will have to stay out of trouble. For Ghost, this might prove to be a challenge. 

What started Ghost running in the first place was domestic violence, and the trauma, combined with the financial strain of his now single-parent household, makes him respond to teasing in ways that do not always reflect the best of him. His mother works in a hospital cafeteria and is taking classes to become a nurse. Every night they eat leftovers she brings from work, but still, there isn’t money for things like new clothes. Ghost doesn’t want to make her feel bad, so he tries not to mess up and he doesn’t ask her for anything. When Ghost does lose it, you can’t help but feel for him. 

Would I teach Ghost? I did teach Ghost this year. It was one of the books my sixth grade students could choose during a book club unit and almost every kid who read it loved it. The author, Jason Reynolds, who also wrote Look Both Ways is a fantastic writer. One of the best things that he does is not talk down to his audience followed closely by not making things melodramatic. His characters feel real and genuine and are very sympathetic. Even though Ghost does not have an easy life, you don’t pity him, you root for him. 

For this unit, students worked together in book clubs, each with their own jobs. At the end of the unit, they made slideshow presentations to share their reflections on the book. I am happy to share materials if you reach out, and if you have materials to share, I would appreciate that, too!