Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part...
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.
Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.
Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghostis a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.
Books
Kids Fiction
Anya's Ghost
Anya's Ghost http://www.yabookscentral.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/200x285s/10/f2/46/10106_anyasghost_1305903496.jpg
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
8+
Release Date
June 07, 2011
ISBN
1596437138
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Editor reviews
Anya hates her mother's Russian food and anything that smacks of Russia. Can't her mother see she wants to be like the other kids in her school? One day though she falls into a hole and finds the bones of Emily, a girl who has been dead for over 90 years. Problem is Ghost girl wants Anya to be her friend...forever.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel with a wicked twist. Anya is filled with 'tude and her attempts to catch the eye of the cute guy only fall on deaf ears until Emily gives her advice. The twist turns creepy when Emily shows her true intentions.
How far would you go to fit in and be popular? Anya finds out the hard way that sometimes it's best to not listen to a so-called ghostly friend.
The illustrations helped give this novel an edge. I love paranormals that surprise you and this one did. Emily at first appears very sweet and friendly. Later though she quickly very scary. I also love how Anya deals with Emily in the end. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do this!
I really enjoyed this graphic novel with a wicked twist. Anya is filled with 'tude and her attempts to catch the eye of the cute guy only fall on deaf ears until Emily gives her advice. The twist turns creepy when Emily shows her true intentions.
How far would you go to fit in and be popular? Anya finds out the hard way that sometimes it's best to not listen to a so-called ghostly friend.
The illustrations helped give this novel an edge. I love paranormals that surprise you and this one did. Emily at first appears very sweet and friendly. Later though she quickly very scary. I also love how Anya deals with Emily in the end. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do this!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Twist on the Ghost Tale
Anya hates her mother's Russian food and anything that smacks of Russia. Can't her mother see she wants to be like the other kids in her school? One day though she falls into a hole and finds the bones of Emily, a girl who has been dead for over 90 years. Problem is Ghost girl wants Anya to be her friend...forever.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel with a wicked twist. Anya is filled with 'tude and her attempts to catch the eye of the cute guy only fall on deaf ears until Emily gives her advice. The twist turns creepy when Emily shows her true intentions.
How far would you go to fit in and be popular? Anya finds out the hard way that sometimes it's best to not listen to a so-called ghostly friend.
The illustrations helped give this novel an edge. I love paranormals that surprise you and this one did. Emily at first appears very sweet and friendly. Later though she quickly very scary. I also love how Anya deals with Emily in the end. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do this!
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User reviews
Average user rating from: 1 user(s)
I am new to the genre of graphic novels. I'm really trying to break out of my reading shell. Anya's Ghost was my second graphic novel ever, and I have mixed feelings.
First off, the drawings were awesome! The author/illustrator is so talented. The characters' faces had so much great detail and expression. The color graphics made it easy to get "sucked into" this story.
Now, the plot itself... eh. The ghost story aspect was pretty clever. I did enjoy that. I thought it was a fresh take on a tired genre. Was it ground breaking or mind shattering? No. Not even close. Would younger readers like it and find it creepy enough? Probably. There was also a pretty good message about accepting who you are hidden in the mystery.
What I didn't care for was how mature this character--Anya--was for a high school student. She was drinking and smoking often. Yes, I know teenagers do that. I was one of those teenagers some of the time, but I still don't think it has a place in books. I'm just funny like that. And there is something about it being illustrated in books that doesn't sit well with me. It's much harder to glance over something or forget something that you actually see. I think taking those things out of the book wouldn't have changed the story at all. They really weren't needed. In fact, they would keep me from recommending this book to a younger reader. No sense in unneccessary exposure.
First off, the drawings were awesome! The author/illustrator is so talented. The characters' faces had so much great detail and expression. The color graphics made it easy to get "sucked into" this story.
Now, the plot itself... eh. The ghost story aspect was pretty clever. I did enjoy that. I thought it was a fresh take on a tired genre. Was it ground breaking or mind shattering? No. Not even close. Would younger readers like it and find it creepy enough? Probably. There was also a pretty good message about accepting who you are hidden in the mystery.
What I didn't care for was how mature this character--Anya--was for a high school student. She was drinking and smoking often. Yes, I know teenagers do that. I was one of those teenagers some of the time, but I still don't think it has a place in books. I'm just funny like that. And there is something about it being illustrated in books that doesn't sit well with me. It's much harder to glance over something or forget something that you actually see. I think taking those things out of the book wouldn't have changed the story at all. They really weren't needed. In fact, they would keep me from recommending this book to a younger reader. No sense in unneccessary exposure.
| Overall rating | 3.5 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 3.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 4.0 |
Better than I expected...
I am new to the genre of graphic novels. I'm really trying to break out of my reading shell. Anya's Ghost was my second graphic novel ever, and I have mixed feelings.
First off, the drawings were awesome! The author/illustrator is so talented. The characters' faces had so much great detail and expression. The color graphics made it easy to get "sucked into" this story.
Now, the plot itself... eh. The ghost story aspect was pretty clever. I did enjoy that. I thought it was a fresh take on a tired genre. Was it ground breaking or mind shattering? No. Not even close. Would younger readers like it and find it creepy enough? Probably. There was also a pretty good message about accepting who you are hidden in the mystery.
What I didn't care for was how mature this character--Anya--was for a high school student. She was drinking and smoking often. Yes, I know teenagers do that. I was one of those teenagers some of the time, but I still don't think it has a place in books. I'm just funny like that. And there is something about it being illustrated in books that doesn't sit well with me. It's much harder to glance over something or forget something that you actually see. I think taking those things out of the book wouldn't have changed the story at all. They really weren't needed. In fact, they would keep me from recommending this book to a younger reader. No sense in unneccessary exposure.
Bad Points
I wasn't thrilled that the high school aged MC smoked alot. That bothered me for some reason.
Do You Recommend?
Maybe
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