'This is a touching story dealing with a multitude of feelings, from loss, frustration, self-identity, discovery and understanding.' * Tyrell Waiters, Vern: Custodian of the Universe *
A teen mourning his mother hopes to conjure her ghost and gets a sassy spirit kid sidekick instead. -- Meg Lemke * Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews *
A shy teenager rejected by his father and a nosy 9-year-old ghost untangle a complicated web of lies. Damian, a teen of Filipino descent who lives with Lolo, his grandfather, is the quiet new kid at a school where having the best story can earn you friends and popularity. So, when Damian accidentally summons Saskia, the spirit of a little girl who died after becoming lost in the woods, he invents a story to explain why he didn't use his rare, precious Spirit Flower to be reunited with his mom, who died when he was 4-he says someone stole it. When persistent classmate Meghan interviews Damian for the student paper, his robbery story evolves into ever-bigger lies. Meghan also posts a video fabricating lies that misrepresent Saskia, much to her rage. Damian grapples with grief, his complicated memories of his mom, and mounting scrutiny and pressure to tell the truth. Meanwhile, his crush on his friend Elijah grows into something more. The delicate and expressive illustrations are executed in shades of gray, black, and navy; the gold accents of the Spirit Flower signify its value in bringing back those who have passed. The quirky character dynamics create a sense of comic relief amid the emotional intensity. Saskia and Meghan read white, and Elijah is cued Korean. The story leaves unanswered plot points that suggest a sequel. Intriguing supernatural elements grounded by genuine expressions of friendship and understanding. (Graphic paranormal. 13-17) -- Laura Simeon * Kirkus Reviews *
