Ghost Girl
on Goodreads (931)
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of Small Spaces and Nightbooks, Ally Malinenko’s middle-grade debut is an empowering and triumphant ghost story—with spooky twists sure to give readers a few good goosebumps! Zee Puckett loves ghost stories. She just never expected to be living one. It all starts with a dark and stormy night. When the skies clear, everything is different. People are missing. There’s a creepy new principal who seems to know everyone’s darkest dreams. And Zee is seeing frightening things: large, scary dogs that talk and maybe even . . . a ghost. When she tells her classmates, only her best friend, Elijah, believes her. Worse, mean girl Nellie gives Zee a cruel nickname: Ghost Girl. But whatever the storm washed up isn’t going away. Everyone’s most selfish wishes start coming true in creepy ways. To fight for what’s right, Zee will have to embrace what makes her different and what makes her Ghost Girl. And all three of them—Zee, Elijah, and Nellie—will have to work together if they want to give their ghost story a happy ending.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zee Puckett
Nellie
Elijah
Principal Scratch
Discussion points
How did the character of Zee change throughout the story and what do you think caused these changes?
If you were in Zee's situation, how would you handle the ghosts and the mystery of the old house?
What are some ways Zee shows bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
How do the friendships in the book impact the events and how do they compare to your friendships?
What do you think is the main message of 'Ghost Girl' and why is it important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and tone changes to reflect the emotions and suspense in the story, making the reading experience lively and engaging.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story, encouraging them to think critically and creatively.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can lead to a discussion about why they chose that particular scene or character.
After finishing the book, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, which enhances comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In Ghost Girl, the protagonist encounters various challenges and supernatural elements that test her bravery. Through these experiences, she learns to face her fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to confront their own fears, whether it’s speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or dealing with bullies.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights strong friendships that support the characters through difficult times, emphasizing the importance of trust and loyalty among friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to nurture and value their friendships, understand the importance of being a supportive friend, and rely on their peers during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Ghost Girl portrays various characters with unique qualities and backgrounds, promoting an understanding and acceptance of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate differences within their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book often face setbacks but demonstrate resilience by pushing forward and not giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they relate to academic struggles, personal setbacks, or extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout Ghost Girl, acts of empathy and kindness are pivotal in resolving conflicts and building relationships.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of being empathetic and kind to others, which can lead to more harmonious interactions and a better understanding of people’s feelings.