Ghost Book

Starred review from June 12, 2023
Lai (Pawcasso) navigates profound questions of fate and friendship via Chinese mythology in this playful graphic novel ghost story. Twelve-year-old July Chen goes largely unnoticed by kids at school and even her own father, making her feel invisible. But thanks to her ability to see ghosts, she meets tween William Xiao, her first friend, whose soul is trapped between life and death following a near-fatal experience. July offers to help William return to his body, resulting in the duo journeying through the underworld. There, they learn that because of a secret deal July’s dad struck with the King of the Underworld’s henchmen, the fates of July and William, born on the same day in the same hospital, have been twined since infanthood. In Lai’s richly imagined underworld—populated by silly and creepy ghosts, tile-roofed houses, and stands selling cuisines such as Dancing Soup and Honesty Soup—the new friends must outsmart the shepherds of the underworld if they hope to uncover the secrets of their past and save William. Animated illustrations featuring dreamlike backdrops and bold hues render both a youthful adventure and a mature meditation on the double-edged sword of memory. Ages 8–12.

June 1, 2023

Gr 4 Up-Mild horror and humor collide in this delightful graphic novel inspired by Chinese mythology, set during Hungry Ghost month. All kinds of ghosts fill the halls of Redhill Elementary, home to the gates of the Underworld. July Chen, 12, pretends she can't see the ghosts in her school so as to appear normal, but the spirit of a wandering soul named William Xiao is persistent in enlisting her help to free himself from a series of tragic events. Solid character development and plot drive this tale that touches on friendship, family, loss, and legend. Fans of Lai's other works, such as Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall, will note her signature art style evident in the book, though the full color is heavy on darker blues and greens, which set the perfect tone for the spookier elements of the story. VERDICT Fans of Lai's other works, as well as Kat Leyh's Snapdragon, and Emma Steinkellner's "The Okay Witch" series will enjoy this modern ghost story with a hopeful ending. Recommended first purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections.-Monisha Blair

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2023
Twelve-year-old July Chen has lived a lonely life. Her classmates and teacher constantly forget her ("Are you a new student?"), and her father is too tired and preoccupied to pay much attention to her. Ghosts, however, can see her, and unlike most people she is able to see and communicate with them. July finds an unexpected friend in William Xiao, a wandering soul of a boy who has already survived several near-death experiences. On the night of the Hungry Ghost Festival, the two are chased by a death god and several zombie-like ghosts; they travel to the Underworld to find a way to protect themselves permanently. This graphic novel adventure skillfully highlights the importance of friendship, family love, and remembering lost loved ones. Lai weaves many aspects of Chinese folk religion and Taoism into the plot while also creating colorful, memorable characters in both the living and spectral worlds (monstrous and friendly spirits who look like animals; blob-like aliens). She also infuses plenty of humor into a narrative that deals with mortality and the supernatural. An entertaining, engaging read with echoes of Miyazaki's film Spirited Away. Michelle Lee

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

June 27, 2023
July Chen sees ghosts, but because her dad doesn’t believe in them, she pretends otherwise. Except during Hungry Ghost Month, when dangerous ghosts run amok. When she saves a ghost boy from a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first-ever friend. William, it turns out, is not a ghost after all; he’s a wandering soul stuck between worlds while his body is in a coma. He has survived several near-death experiences and the god of the Underworld is looking for him. But in order for William to survive, July must die, so together, they travel to the Gates of the Underworld to save them both. Ghost Book is a delightful contemporary fantasy graphic novel for middle-grade readers. Remy Lai (Pawcasso) has woven traditional Chinese myth and an out-of-this-world adventure through a story of friendship, grief and family. July is courageous and quick to pledge her allegiance to William; she is willing to risk everything to save his life. It is through friendship and courage that July learns the truth about her birth and her fate. Lai’s illustrations and text are funny and pitch-perfect for the age group. Ghost Book may be a story about ghosts, but children will not be scared, though the Hungry Ghosts are enjoyably spooky. Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli, Raina Telgemeier or Kayla Miller, children will love this romp through the Underworld.

January 1, 2024
Twelve-year-old July Chen has lived a lonely life. Her classmates and teacher constantly forget her ("Are you a new student?"), and her father is too tired and preoccupied to pay much attention to her. Ghosts, however, can see her, and unlike most people, she is able to see and communicate with them. July finds an unexpected friend in William Xiao, a wandering soul of a boy who has already survived several near-death experiences. On the night of the Hungry Ghost Festival, the two are chased by a death god and several zombie-like ghosts; they travel to the Underworld to find a way to protect themselves permanently. This graphic novel adventure effectively highlights the importance of friendship, family love, and remembering lost loved ones. Lai weaves many aspects of Chinese folk religion and Taoism into the plot while also creating colorful, memorable characters in both the living and spectral worlds (monstrous and friendly spirits who look like animals; blob-like aliens). She also infuses plenty of humor into a narrative that deals with mortality and the supernatural. An entertaining, engaging read with echoes of Miyazaki's film Spirited Away.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)