Just really cute, really well drawn, great little story. A fast read for adults; perfect for kids. ( )

I received my copy today and read this book start to finish without stopping. Beautiful, thoughtful illustrations and some very realistic dialogue. Anya is a Russian immigrant- a self conscious, slightly plump, mildly rebellious, and entirely sympathetic teenager. After falling down a well and encountering a ghost, Anya's supernatural firend unwittingly causes her to go through a series of realizations; from her opinions of her peers to her relationship with her heritage. The story was easy to follow, even when there were pages of just pictures. The author captured so well Anya’s desire to fit in, but never was the message of Anya’s encounter trite or overdone. Again, a beautiful little gem of a book.
*I received this advanced copy through a Goodreads’ giveaway contest.*
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Delightfully spooky without any violence. Beautifully illustrated with real characters full of flaws and yet, willing to change. ( )

2.5/5

This book was really cute and quick! I LOVED the art. Felt like it resolved a bit quickly, but the story was charming nonetheless. ( )

This is a ghost story with heart! The story follows Anya, a socially awkward teenage girl struggling to fit in at school and connect with her family. Anya attends a preppy private school and her Russian heritage makes her stick out, leaving her feeling uncomfortable with her own identity. Her life takes a mysterious turn, however, when she befriends a ghost from the 19th century named Emily. Brosgol's work weaves together themes of identity, friendship, and consequences of seeking acceptance at any cost. As their bond grows, Anya finds herself torn between the allure of newfound popularity and the unsettling secrets Emily hides. Through her experiences with Emily Anya begins to learn that "perfection" is only an illusion. The moody nature of the images, heavily featuring blues and grays, compliments Anya's moody nature, as she struggles with finding a balance between feeling accepted and being herself. This creative coming-of-age tale appeals to the young and young at heart alike.