Anya's Ghost

Brosgol, Vera. Anya's Ghost. New York : First Second, 2011.

Plot: Life could not be more frustrating for Anya if it tried. Her family does not understand her, her friends use her, her body mocks her, and her crush ignores her. A walk in the park, however, ends when she falls down a well. The well is not unoccupied. A ninety-year-old ghost greets her. Then follows her home. Initially, the ghost, named Emily, seems helpful. She gives Anya answers in class and gets  to a party with her crush. After the party, Emily begins to act strangely controlling. Anya, claims the ghost, needs her, and Emily will do anything to make sure Anya knows it.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Reading Level: Grades 7-12

Similar Titles: Zombies Calling!, Habibi,

Personal Thoughts: In some ways, the novel reminds me of Baron: The Cat Returns. A very believable, far from perfect girl is suddenly confronted with the extraordinary. Unlike Haru's klutzy-sweet nature, Anya appears to serve as the stereotypical "bad girl." She smokes, cuts class, and fights with her mother. Yet, she also has very understandable characteristics. Her weight worries her. Her family, infuriating as it is, remains important to her. She wonders about how her peers view her immigrant status. As such, she is a character the reader sympathizes while disagreeing with, much like the reader would if she were an actual person.

Anya also responds like a real teen, most notably at the end of the story. Too many stories imply a revolution in character for their bad boy/girl protagonist into the epitome of virtue through supernatural adventures. Anya, however, still dislikes school, worries about her figure, and tries to avoid too much attention from her teachers. However, she does change as well. She decides to stop smoking and does not appear as troubled by her long, Russian name. Anya grows without destroying her initial personality, which, while tricky to show, is actually realistic, making the story a enjoyable read.

Side Note: Jerome likes Anya.