Ghost’s narration is candid and colloquial, reminiscent of such original voices as Bud Caldwell and Joey Pigza his level of self-understanding is both believably childlike and disarming in its perception. Ghost is surprised to find himself caring enough about being on the team that he curbs his behavior to avoid “altercations.” But Ma doesn’t have money to spare on things like fancy running shoes, so Ghost shoplifts a pair that make his feet feel impossibly light-and his conscience correspondingly heavy. When he inserts himself into a practice for a local elite track team, the Defenders, he’s fast enough that the hard-as-nails coach decides to put him on the team. His dad’s been in jail three years now, but Ghost still feels the trauma, which is probably at the root of the many “altercations” he gets into at middle school. Main characters are White, and there is natural, realistic diversity in the supporting cast.Īn emotionally perceptive story of awakening compassion for self and others.Ĭastle “Ghost” Cranshaw feels like he’s been running ever since his dad pulled that gun on him and his mom-and used it. The intensely awkward self-consciousness of the middle school years is presented with realistic sensitivity and insight. This character-driven story of introspection and growth will appeal to thoughtful readers. Pippa was a keen bird-watcher, and, as Callie reads her journal, excerpts of which are interspersed, and explores the grounds and its bird life with Sid, she starts to put down roots and gain a new perspective on painful events back home. Most excitingly, she uncovers a journal kept by one Pippa Spence when she was evacuated to the Highlands during World War II. Burning with shame, she persuades her parents to let her try home schooling and (eventually) makes friends with Sid, the prickly granddaughter of her parents’ gardener. However, while the ebullient Jax quickly settles in, Callie embarrasses herself on her first visit to the local school.
Callie, who departed California ostracized by her friends, imagines the cachet of being the exotic American in her new school. Callie’s parents, who as grad students rented a cottage on the grounds and became close to the late owner, Lady Whittington-Spence, begin much-needed renovations. Seventh grader Callie her 7-year-old brother, Jax and their parents leave San Diego after inheriting a castle in the Scottish countryside. A new life in a new country does not, at first, bring the fresh start Callie hoped for.
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