dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
Great middle school novel about a lot of things: handling your temper, finding common ground, being scared, supportive family... And being on a track team.
sandraagee's review against another edition
5.0
LOVE. Ghost is a really well-drawn character, with so much complexity and dimension. He makes lots of mistakes, but you can always see WHY he makes these mistakes, and he's still a likable character that readers will root for. I've generally come to expect this from Jason Reynolds, but it's still so impressive and refreshing every time I read one of his books.
Listened to this on audio. The narrator was amazing. So much excitement and expression in his voice. Even though the narrator is clearly an adult, the way he reads really gives the story a kid's voice.
Listened to this on audio. The narrator was amazing. So much excitement and expression in his voice. Even though the narrator is clearly an adult, the way he reads really gives the story a kid's voice.
pamiverson's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining story of a middle school student who stumbles onto a track team and learns about himself and life in the process. That everyone has difficult episodes in their past, but we can't be governed by them. People will stick up for you, even when you don't think they will. Good messages for someone his age.
heyalisa's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
heyalisa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
beethebooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
To the librarian who recommended this one to me - you were right. Borrowed from a local library and will soon reside in my children's collection. Encompasses a wonderfully flawed and lovable main character and teaches beautiful life lessons. I need to read more about this group of children. Also, I definitely cried.
compass_rose's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Great start to a series by an author I love. So glad for JR's middle grade books. And I appreciate the length - not too much so it's perfect for readers with varied abilities (great for classroom read). Loved the second book more.
My 14yo gives Ghost 4.5 stars.
My 14yo gives Ghost 4.5 stars.
flower_mail's review against another edition
5.0
My elementary school students are crazy about this series, and I wanted to see why for myself. I totally get it now.
The narrator is authentic — Ghost feels like a person and talks, thinks, and acts like my kiddos. He deals with real, tough problems in a realistic way for a child who has experienced childhood trauma. The book deals with PTSD and class and race, and I really just adored it. I wish I had been able to read this series as a child.
The narrator is authentic — Ghost feels like a person and talks, thinks, and acts like my kiddos. He deals with real, tough problems in a realistic way for a child who has experienced childhood trauma. The book deals with PTSD and class and race, and I really just adored it. I wish I had been able to read this series as a child.
mb_booklady's review against another edition
4.0
Good story with relatable characters.
Ghost, a young guy growing up in a rough neighborhood, has to overcome himself to become the world's greatest he wants to be. He stumbles into a city-league track team that helps him figure out how to begin becoming what he wants to be.
Ghost, a young guy growing up in a rough neighborhood, has to overcome himself to become the world's greatest he wants to be. He stumbles into a city-league track team that helps him figure out how to begin becoming what he wants to be.
afro8921's review against another edition
5.0
Jason, Jason, Jason... Why do you write such wonderful characters! I absolutely loved!!! Ghost. In Ghost I found some character traits of my nephew,cousins, and brothers. I absolutely love the way he writes teen and tween characters. They sparkle with an honesty and complexity that makes you fall in love with them from the first page. I'm almost too emotional to write about this book. Ghost is a story about redemption, family, love and mostly overcoming obstacles that we put in our own way sometimes.