#30--Anya's Ghost

Bibliographic Information

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol. First Second. (2011).

Price: $15.99 for paperback

Pages: 221 for paperback

Plot Summary

Anya Borzakovskaya does not like her life. Save for nerdy Dima, she is the only student from Russia in her private high school while the rest of her classmates are classic WASPs. Her mother insists on feeding her fattening food even though Anay argues that American boys only want skinny girls and despite nibbling carrot sticks and taking up smoking, she still only has one friend. But Anya’s problems increase tenfold when she accidentally falls down a hold and discovers a ghost. The ghost named Emily is delighted to see her as she hasn’t talked to anyone for ninety years. When Anya escapes the hole one of Emily’s bones ends up in her bag allowing Emily to travel wherever Anya goes. Initially scared, Anya soon learns that having a ghostly friend has its benefits as Emily helps her cheat on tests, look up the schedule of her crush, and serves as a lookout. But soon Anya discovers that things are not always what they appear to be. Her crush is a slimeball, Dima may not be so bad after all, and Emily is much more sinister than she appears…

Critical Evaluation

Told in purplish grayscale Anya’s Ghost is visually stunning. While each character is well drawn Anya & Emily are the most intriguing. Anya’s expressions are varied and complex leaving readers to marvel at Vera Brosgol’s ability to draw embarrassment, skepticism, and fear using only a few lines. Emily’s appearance is similarly fascinating as her personal appearance reflects her growing power and true nature. Not only are the illustrations complex but the plot is as well. Anya’s Ghost moves beyond a simple ghost or coming of age story as it explores the deeper themes of belonging, false appearances, and identity. While this is a supernatural story it is also one that many people can relate to as Anya’s insecurity about her weight and her cultural heritage are common struggles. Overall, Anya’s Ghost is a masterpiece making it easy to see why five different review sources award it some of their highest honors.

Image from here.

Reader’s Annotation

When Anya falls down a well only to find a ghost eager to be her friend she eventually lets the ghost into her life with creepy consequences.

About the Author

Born in Moscow Vera Brosgol moved to the United States when she was five years old. Anya’s Ghost is her first published book. When she is not writing she is working at Laika Inc. creating storyboards.

To learn more about Vera Brosgol visit her website here,

Genre

Coming of age; Graphic novel; Paranormal fiction; School story

Readalikes

Americus by M.K. Reed & Jonathan David Hill

·         Also about a teen who must give up blending in in order to make a difference

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks

·         Also about a girl who is being haunted by a ghost

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

·         Also about a girl enduring school drama & social dynamics

Tags

Family, Ghosts, Immigrant, Russian, Single mother, Younger brother

Awards Won/Lists On

2012 Eisner Award

2012 YALSA Great Graphic Novels

2011 Bram Stoker Award Nominee

2011 Cybils Award for Graphic Novels for YAs

2011 Horn Book Fanfare

2011 Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books of the Year

2011 School Library Journal Best Fiction for Books

Professional Reviews

BCCB

Booklist

Horn Books
Kirkus Reviews
Los Angeles Times
New York Times

School Library Journal

The Guardian

USA Today

Wired Magazine

Booktalk Ideas

Anya Fitting In

·         Mother makes Russian food (2, 172)

·         Doesn’t want to be compared to Dima (57)

·         Has one friend (149)

·         Smokes to fit in (219)

·         Crush on popular boy

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book can be used for those who feel like they do not fit in because of their culture. It can be pointed out that it is more important to be true to yourself rather than living out the role you think society wants you to play.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level:  2^nd grade

Interest Level: 6^th grade and up

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         Body image issues

·         Bullying

·         Cheating on girlfriend

·         Ghosts

·         Murder

·         Single mother

·         Skipping church repeatedly

·         Threats of violence

·         Underage smoking

Librarians can point out that while this book contains supernatural elements it is actually a pretty realistic portrayal of how a teen might feel including discussions of body image, balancing family and school life, and how to identify your true friends.

Why Was This Included?

I included this book because I wanted to re-read it and because it would be useful for my presentation on ghosts. I think this is an exceptional title because it is an honest portrayal of what an average teen goes through. I particularly identified with the body image issues Anya has.