Ghost (Reynolds novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Products | Books |
Ghost is a young adult novel authored by Jason Reynolds and released on August 30, 2016, through Atheneum Books. This title serves as the initial installment in Reynolds' Track series, which continues with Patina (2017), followed by Sunny (2018), and Lu (2018).
The novel Ghost attained status as a New York Times best seller and was honored as a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
Plot summary
The narrative centers on Castle Cranshaw, known by his nickname Ghost, who contemplates multiple world records before turning attention to his personal struggles. His interactions with Mr. Charles, the proprietor of a local convenience store, provide insight into Ghost's surroundings and contribute to his character growth.
Reception
Commercially, Ghost secured a position on the New York Times best seller list and garnered starred accolades from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews. Further favorable reviews appeared in The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books and Horn Book Magazine.
In a review for The New York Times, Kate Messner commended Reynolds for crafting a protagonist undergoing "a genuine journey," placing Ghost among memorable, flawed characters within youth literature.
The audiobook edition, narrated by Guy Lockard, earned a starred mention from School Library Journal. Industry organizations such as the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association and the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature recognized the book as one of the premier titles of 1997.
| Year | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Cybils Award in Middle Grade Fiction | Winner |
| Selection for Junior Library Guild book list | Chosen | |
| Included in Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of the Year | Chosen | |
| Nominee for Kirkus Prize for Young Readers | Nominated | |
| Finalist for National Book Award in Young People's Literature | Finalist | |
| Listed among The New York Times Notable Children's Books | Selected | |
| 1998 | '‘’Booklist’’' Top 10 Diverse Fiction for Youth | Top 10 |
| Selected for American Library Association’s Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults | Chosen | |
| Ranked Top 10 in ALA's Best Fiction for Young Adults | Top 10 | |
| Included in Association for Library Service to Children's Notable Children's Books | Selected | |
| Recipient of Charlotte Huck Award | Winner | |
| Honored with Odyssey Award | Honor | |
| Chosen for YALSA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers | Selected |