My e-reader is full of books from the library. I am reading more adult books than children’s books right now. They are much longer so I have been reading furiously to stay ahead. Then mid week a roaring head cold hit me leaving me foggy and unable to process the stark facts of the non fiction ecology book so I turned to the next children’s book from the library seeking a story line and characters I could connect with.
There sat the book Ghost by Jason Reynolds. I knew Reynolds work from All American Boys and The Boy in the Black Suit. I also have As Brave As You on my to be read list. A known author is always good when trying to sort words through drippy eyes and stuffy head.
I was caught immediately with the story of Castle otherwise know as Ghost. He was a kid I saw in my classroom year after year. This is a kid who knows to much about street life for his young age. A kid who knows how to run fast. It comes easy when you are running from bullets, especially bullets coming from the gun your father is holding.
This is a story of a good kid. It is a story about a mother who is trying to make a difference for her son and a son who want to show his mother he cares. This is also the story of how a community can make a difference by listening before judging, by being there when needed.
Reynolds writing is quick and easy to read pulling you into the story and giving you characters you care about. He also leaves us hanging at the end. Ghost is the first of a trilogy and he left us or at least me wanting more. I want to follow Ghost as he struggles to reach goals that seems so far away. I want to know that Ghost and his mother will find a way through the poverty and struggles that are in front of them. I know from real life that this path is hard and full of bumps and set backs. I want to know where this all leads.
So while waiting for book two to come out I will read As Brave As You and revisit All American Boys. If you haven’t spent time time with Reynolds books now would be a great time to add them to your list of to be read books.
Words from JL 
I loved Ghost, have read his others except the first one. I need to get to that one, too. You’ve inspired me to check out an e-book from my library. I still haven’t done it. Happy Reading, Joanne!
I love my library e-books. A great way to read and re read.
I really loved Ghost. As Brave as You is a good one too. I’m glad Reynolds is publishing things for younger readers now. He’s going to be visiting my are in March and I’m super excited. I have loved his young adult books.
I think I’ve read everything Jason Reynolds has written and have never been disappointed. That man is just so amazing. Like you, I remember too many Ghosts in my classrooms across the years.
We just finished reading this in my class – wow! Amazing writer!
I don’t know why I keep putting off reading this book. I have a copy that I checked out of the library so I have no excuse. It really does sound fantastic.
I’ve been reading so many great things about this novel and really looking forward to finding it and reading it soonest.