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A review by emileereadsbooks
Riley's Ghost by John David Anderson
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Kids for the gifted book!
Riley Flynn has an awful day at school and as she is leaving some mean girls stuff her in a closet and leave her there. All alone in the school Riley is frantic to escape. Then she starts to realize that maybe she isn't all alone after all. I thought this one was appropriately creepy and I loved that Riley has to reflect on her own actions that have been a factor that has contributed to her outcast status at school. I, for most of the character arc, was concerned about Riley's bad behavior being celebrated, but I think that as the conclusion came around we realized Riley's growth through this experience. As an adult I can make the leap and the conclusions that Riley's behavior had to change and wasn't ideal, but I think that this book can't be blanketly recommended because some kids won't be able to come to those conclusions themselves.
Riley Flynn has an awful day at school and as she is leaving some mean girls stuff her in a closet and leave her there. All alone in the school Riley is frantic to escape. Then she starts to realize that maybe she isn't all alone after all. I thought this one was appropriately creepy and I loved that Riley has to reflect on her own actions that have been a factor that has contributed to her outcast status at school. I, for most of the character arc, was concerned about Riley's bad behavior being celebrated, but I think that as the conclusion came around we realized Riley's growth through this experience. As an adult I can make the leap and the conclusions that Riley's behavior had to change and wasn't ideal, but I think that this book can't be blanketly recommended because some kids won't be able to come to those conclusions themselves.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying