Ghost by Jason Reynolds: Black History Month Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Nobody had to teach Castle "Ghost" Crenshaw how to run. He learned how to do it when his dad chased his mom and him with a gun and landed in jail for using it. Ghost has run ever since but he can't seem to outrun all of the trouble he gets into at his middle school.

When he finds himself smack center in a training session of a local elite track team called the Defenders, he impulsively challenges one of the runners to prove he can run as fast. The tough Olympic medalist coach can't help but notice Ghost's potential and natural talent. He asks him to join the team. Will the coach help channel Ghost's talent into something productive or will the anger Ghost carries with him get in the way?

As Ghost gets to know his teammates and his coach, the characters develop in a realistic way in which the reader will easily relate. The few white characters are described as such while the other characters are black like Ghost. Reynolds successfully breaks the tape with character development in a book that is sure to give running a boost. One can't help but cheer on the beloved protagonist both on and off the track.

Rating ★★★★★

Publishing Information

Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Aug. 30, 2016)

ISBN: 978-1481450157

Ages: 10 and up

Hardcover: 192 pages

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