Invisible Ghosts

Gr 8 Up—Rose Asher's older brother Logan died accidentally four years ago, and he has been haunting her ever since. She isn't sure why she can see her brother's ghost, but she's content to spend afternoons on the couch watching Netflix instead of living the life a 16-year-old girl should. However, when old friend Jamie Aldridge moves back into town, Rose begins to experience the life her brother never got to have. Friends, parties, and romance all pull Rose away from the past; but at home, Logan's ghost drags her right back. Schneider's premise is an interesting twist on books featuring protagonists dealing with grief. Rose is a likable character. Her struggles are believable and readers will relate to her having to choose between friends and family. The romance with Jamie is a little too quick—it's obvious they will be paired off and the "will they or won't they" tension is light. The other protagonists are a variety of lovable nerds or characters who offer very little to the overall story line. Dealing with Logan's spirit is a nice touch and adds interesting elements about being held back by past traumas. Rose's guilt is aptly handled.