Ghosts ✩✩✩✩✩

In our elementary school library, Raina Telgemeier's first three graphic novels always top our "most checked out books" list. Our beloved and well worn copies of Smile, Sisters and Drama are already due for replacement. I'm sure Ghosts, Ms. Telgemeier's fourth book, will be extremely popular as well.

The story takes place on the northern California coast in a seaside town called Bahía de la Luna. Ms. Telgemeier's visuals of the foggy landscape use a palette of grays that are more nuanced than you would normally see in a graphic novel. You can almost feel the seawater in the air as you read the story. Catrina is the main character, and the family has moved to this town to enable her younger sister Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, to breathe easier. Soon upon arrival, the girls meet a neighbor and potential friend named Carlos who introduces them to some very real ghosts. Catrina "Cat" is afraid of ghosts, but she prepares to face her fears as the town's Day of the Dead celebrations are upon them. The girls, who have a white father and Mexican mother, learn a lot about ghosts and themselves as the special day takes place.

This story will resonate with your fourth grade and up reader who devours graphic novels or realistic fiction. If your student is taking Spanish for the first time, they will be interested to learn more about the Day of the Dead. One recommendation for lovers of this author would be to read El Deafo by Cece Bell.

An Irresistible Southern Mystery ✩✩✩✩

Here in Connecticut, ten middle-grade books are nominated every year to compete for the Nutmeg Award. This year, the list includes The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage. I was pretty certain that The One and Only Ivan (also on the list) would have the win all wrapped up. However, this charming adventure really took me by surprise! Mo LeBeau, "one half of the probably world-famous detective agency the Desperado Detectives", and her sidekick Dale, are back in this sequel to Three Times Lucky. Mo is plucky and clever, and her way of looking at the world is laugh-out-loud funny! For example, in Chapter 30, "The Horror Unfolds", Mo is desperately trying to avoid giving her oral report on Fishbowl Friday, so she exclaims: "Excuse me, Miss Retzyl, but the entire town's trembling from financial stress. Oral reports could tip us over the edge, which could mean not only personal heartbreak, but a class action lawsuit. I'd hate to see you embroiled." The entire book is just as witty...I had to read passages to my husband as he wondered what I was laughing about. This is a terrific book you could recommend to any fifth grader who loves a good tale.