Ghost
by Jason Reynolds
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (August 2016)
Realistic Fiction
Summary:
Running. That's all that Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) has ever known. But never for a track team. Nope, his game has always been ball. But when Ghost impulsively challenges an elite sprinter to a race -- and wins -- the Olympic medalist track coach sees he has something: crazy natural talent. Thing is, Ghost has something else: a lot of anger, and a past that he is trying to outrun.
Why You'll Love It:
Perfect for 5th-9th graders.
What Else You Should Read:
by Jason Reynolds
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (August 2016)
Realistic Fiction
Summary:
Running. That's all that Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) has ever known. But never for a track team. Nope, his game has always been ball. But when Ghost impulsively challenges an elite sprinter to a race -- and wins -- the Olympic medalist track coach sees he has something: crazy natural talent. Thing is, Ghost has something else: a lot of anger, and a past that he is trying to outrun.
Why You'll Love It:
- One of my most important author discoveries upon my move to middle school has to be Jason Reynolds. He is AMAZING, people, and a boon to reluctant reader advisory.
- Reynolds perfectly captures both the pain and earnest longing of a young boy.
- Ghost’s narration is candid and colloquial, reminiscent of such original voices as Bud Caldwell and Joey Pigza; his level of self-understanding is both believably childlike and disarming in its perception.
Perfect for 5th-9th graders.
What Else You Should Read:
- The Crossover and Booked by Kwame Alexander
- A Whole New Ballgame by Phil Bildner
- STAT series by Amar'e Stoudemire
