GHOSTER HEIGHTS by Corey Landsell, Kelly Mellings, Lisa Larose (Illustrator), Becca Carey

HELLO, MY NAME IS POOP by Ben Katzner & Ian McGinty (Illustrator)

KENZIE’S KINGDOM by Shea Fontana & Agnes Garbowska (Illustrator)

POIKO: Quests Stuff by Brian Middleton

THE BROTHERS FLICK: THE IMPOSSIBLE DOORS by Ryan Haddock & Nick Wyche (Illustrator)

THE UNFINISHED CORNER by Dani Colman & Rachel “Tuna” Petrovicz (Illustrator)

VERSE

VERSE BOOK 1: THE BROKEN HALF by Sam Beck

VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE by Sam Beck

WRASSLE CASTLE

WRASSLE
CASTLE BOOK 1: LEARNING THE ROPES by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, & Galaad (Illustrator)

WRASSLE
CASTLE BOOK 2: RIDERS ON THE STORM by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, & Galaad (Illustrator)

WRASSLE
CASTLE BOOK 3: PUT A LYD ON IT! by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, & Galaad (Illustrator)

Synopsis of Ghoster Heights

If you’re one of the rare people who decide to read a book because of the title, cover art, and in this case that it’s a graphic novel, you may be able to comprehend my feelings. Oh, and did I mention that since I like surprises I rarely read a synopsis?

So I started reading. And then I started wondering. Where was this story going? Should I read the book blurb? No way. After all, discovery, for me, is fun. So I plugged on.

The Story

Ona and her father are relocating. She is portrayed as a sullen eight-year-old. And her father? Well, he looks like he’s been awake for the last 48 hours.

The place they are relocating? Dad’s mom who, of course, is Ona’s grandmother. And Grandmother is doing her best to welcome her son and granddaughter, though it’s apparent she’s a bit lost as to the best way to do that. 

The apartment complex where Baba (Grandmother in Ukrainian) lives is called Goesher Heights, though it has been nicknamed Ghoster Heights because rumor has it that it’s haunted. 

Though Baba has never seen a ghost, Ona seems to be able to spot them. Now here’s where I nearly had to google where to purchase a decoder ring. I was confused. But as I continued to read I understood and found it interesting. Not all ghosts that Ona saw represented the same things. Some represented feelings such as fear and hunger. Others represented the souls of people who died. And some, emotional unhappiness and conflict.

But would Ona be able to help, or to even recognize these concerns? And would she be able to recognize her own ghost?

My Concerns

Okay, in this case, I probably would have benefited from reading the book blurb. But I still figured it out and worked through it quickly. For some, however, and that includes me, it might help to go into this story knowing that it’s not scary or funny. 

Final Thoughts

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book when I started it. But I was pleasantly surprised by beautiful artwork that complemented a heartwarming story.

And though I really didn’t mention it, the story focuses on community and being aware of others and their concerns. It is perfect for opening discussions about grief, loss, and fears that we all face. Deep, but important issues.

Do you need a compass or decoder ring to understand it? Nope, not at all. But it helps tremendously to know ahead of time that the story is on the serious side, not funny or scary.

This is definitely a book to consider, especially if you are a counselor or educator. And, of course, it’s also perfect for home libraries. 

 My thanks to Rockstar Book Tours and Wonderbound for a copy of this book and the ability to freely post my thoughts.

Giveaway

1 winner will win finished copies of every book featured in the WALKINGIN A WINTER WONDERBOUND from VAULT tour, US Only.

1 winner will win eBooks of every book featured in the WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERBOUND from VAULT tour
from iBooks, International.

Ends January17^th, midnight EST.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

Week Two:

Week Three:

Week Four:

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