monalyisha's review against another edition
3.75
Castle Cranshaw, aka Ghost, learns to run when he & his mom wake in the middle of the night to escape their abusive household, Ghost’s gun-toting, alcoholic father hot on their heels. It’s the story of a lonely, angry kid finding purpose & community. I’m so glad it exists. Between its pages, you can find some gorgeous, impactful passages, interweaving light & dark. But you can also find the phrase “fart licks.” This is a book written FOR kids.
Maurice Sendak once said, “I don't write for children. I write & someone says it's for children.” That’s not how Jason Reynolds writes. And thank goodness! He’s doing important, valuable, necessary work. And he does it with style and grace. Selfishly, I desperately want to see what an adult novel of his would look like. The acknowledgements, which read, “May this book be breath”, tell me it would be beautiful. I want a book sans fart licks.
Maurice Sendak once said, “I don't write for children. I write & someone says it's for children.” That’s not how Jason Reynolds writes. And thank goodness! He’s doing important, valuable, necessary work. And he does it with style and grace. Selfishly, I desperately want to see what an adult novel of his would look like. The acknowledgements, which read, “May this book be breath”, tell me it would be beautiful. I want a book sans fart licks.
stephanie6082's review against another edition
4.0
Super quick student literature circle read. Very good book, gave me “The Hate U Give” vibes. Really liked Castle as a character, and the way his story was told—with all the little quirky details. Honestly, was surprised how quickly the story went and where it ended.
eslismyjam's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great. Reynolds gives Ghost a great voice. He really packs a lot of punch in this small novel. This book feels very authentic and relatable for a lot of kids.
kayciecorn2011's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A good and heart warming book
<Not about ghosts>
<About a boy with a nickname of ghost>
<Not about ghosts>
<About a boy with a nickname of ghost>
rfonta69801's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
Character Development: I felt that the main character was a little- tiny bit underdeveloped.
Diversity: Yes!
Likes: I love Jason Reynolds writing!
Dislikes: I guess I had high hopes for this book because of the other Jason Reynolds books I have read.
What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Overcoming Obstacles.
Pace: Fast
Likable Characters?: Ghost and Patina
Characters or Plot?: Character mostly.
Overall, I took off .75 stars because I expected more from this book.
Character Development: I felt that the main character was a little- tiny bit underdeveloped.
Diversity: Yes!
Likes: I love Jason Reynolds writing!
Dislikes: I guess I had high hopes for this book because of the other Jason Reynolds books I have read.
What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Overcoming Obstacles.
Pace: Fast
Likable Characters?: Ghost and Patina
Characters or Plot?: Character mostly.
Overall, I took off .75 stars because I expected more from this book.
alay13's review against another edition
5.0
This is a nice little middle grade book. Good story. Excellent way to integrate some very tough stuff and spark good conversations. Very believable and realistic characters.
zdrhyne's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thepaige_turner's review against another edition
5.0
Jason Reynolds blows me away again!! Can't wait to dive into the next one.
gusgusward's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0