Reynolds, Jason. 2016. Ghost. New York: Simon and Schuster Publishing. ISBN 9781481450157
Castle Cranshaw has not had a typical childhood. He started off his running career by running for his life from his father who was shooting at both him and his mother. As he navigates middle school, he continues to run into trouble. One day he stumbles upon a track practice and decides to show one particular show-off that he isn’t all that like he appears to think he is. This one run leads Castle, who goes by Ghost, to joining the track team who happen to be full of junior Olympic quality. Coach, an Olympic medalist, is bound and determined the kids on his track team succeed. He proceeds to be there for Ghost with tough love and support while helping him to get out of trouble and learn to make better decisions.
Brought to life by Guy Lockard, the audio version of Ghost was funny, sad, highly engaging, and all the things a great YA novel should be. I would highly recommend the audio version because Lockard’s talent really helps the personalities in the novel to shine through. Ghost is a young African American boy trying to learn how to be himself and rise above his circumstances. With a hard working mother and a Coach that believes in him, this is a story of hard work, tough love, and ultimately, success. There are many opportunities to stop and discuss the choices we make and their potential to affect our future, both positively and negatively. This book would make an excellent upper elementary/middle school read aloud.
Ghost is the first title in the Track Book series. The second title, Patina, will be released August of 2017.
Readers that enjoy Ghost may also enjoy Jason Reynolds other titles including
As Brave as You
The Boy in the Black Suit
Miles Morales: Spider Man
Other titles that may appeal to the same set of readers
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Booked by Kwame Alexander
Ghost appeared on the Best Fiction for Young Adults List for 2016
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