Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed
Standalone title Series
on Goodreads (134)
What’s inside...
Set in present-day South Florida, Benny Ramírez’s life revolves around family, friends, and his dream of making the All-Star baseball team. Everything changes after a near-fatal accident leaves him able to see and speak with spirits who have unfinished business in the living world. Torn between keeping his baseball goals alive and helping the newly arriving ghosts find peace, Benny must work out what it means to be brave, compassionate, and true to himself—all while juggling middle-school pressures and family expectations rooted in his Cuban-American heritage.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Benicio “Benny” Ramírez
Carly
Abuela Ramírez
Ms. Astor
Discussion points
Which ghost’s story touched you the most, and why?
How do Benny’s baseball lessons help him with ghostly tasks?
What traditions from Benny’s family reminded you of your own?
Why is it hard for Benny to share his secret, and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause after each ghost encounter to predict solutions together.
Encourage kids to keep a journal of new Spanish words they notice.
Compare the teamwork on Benny’s ballfield to teamwork at home or school.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy matters
Explanation: Benny pauses his own plans to understand each ghost’s needs.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to listen when friends share problems.
Example Lesson: Balancing responsibilities
Explanation: Benny juggles baseball practice and ghostly tasks.
Real-World Application: Helps children plan homework, hobbies, and family duties.
Example Lesson: Honoring heritage
Explanation: Cuban family stories guide Benny’s choices.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask relatives about cultural traditions.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: Benny confronts frightening spirits and public pressure.
Real-World Application: Supports kids in trying new things despite anxiety.