Ghosts
Raina Telgemeier's graphic novel "Ghosts" tells the story of Catrina (Cat) and her younger sister, Maya, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Their family moves to Bahía de la Luna, a small coastal town in Northern California, believing the cool, salty air will benefit Maya's health. The sisters soon discover that the town is not only picturesque but also home to many ghosts, and its residents actively celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, as a way to honor and connect with their deceased loved ones. The narrative explores complex themes of chronic illness, mortality, and cultural acceptance through Cat's perspective, as she initially struggles with fear of ghosts and the move, while Maya enthusiastically embraces the new environment and its spiritual traditions. The book aims to provide a comforting and heartwarming experience for its middle-grade audience, typically ages 8-12, addressing poignant subjects with sensitivity and warmth rather than explicit or graphic depictions. It is lauded for its engaging storytelling and vibrant artwork, making it an accessible read for young readers grappling with difficult emotions and new experiences.
Concerns
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe book features ghosts and prominently depicts the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). These elements are presented within a cultural and spiritual framework focused on remembrance and family connection, rather than dark magic, malevolent spirits, or harmful occult practices.
The town of Bahía de la Luna is known for its resident ghosts, and the community actively celebrates Día de los Muertos, a tradition where families honor and connect with their deceased loved ones. The ghosts, such as the friendly eight-year-old Jose, are typically benign and interactive, not scary or malevolent. Catrina initially fears the ghosts, but her sister Maya is eager to meet them, and the holiday itself is portrayed as a vibrant, colorful celebration.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe book addresses the emotionally intense themes of chronic illness (cystic fibrosis) and the concept of death through Maya's condition and her candid acceptance of her mortality. While ghosts are present, Catrina's initial fear is a source of tension, though the ghosts themselves are generally not portrayed as terrifying.
Maya's cystic fibrosis is a central, poignant element, and she openly discusses the possibility of her own death, such as telling the ghost Jose that if she dies, her sister Catrina will be alone. Catrina's initial fear of ghosts and her reluctance to embrace the town's supernatural aspects create suspense and emotional intensity for the protagonist. However, the ghosts are primarily cultural figures for remembrance rather than frightening entities.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowDespite author Raina Telgemeier's other graphic novels, such as "Drama," explicitly featuring LGBTQ characters and themes, "Ghosts" itself does not contain overt LGBTQ representation or discussions of gender identity within its narrative. External parental reviews and discussions typically distinguish "Drama" for its homosexual content, while "Ghosts" is noted for its focus on death.
The narrative of "Ghosts" centers on the sisters Catrina and Maya, their family, and their adaptation to a new town and its cultural traditions. There are no specific LGBTQ characters, relationships, or gender identity themes explored in the storyline. For example, parental concerns regarding 'homosexual content' in Raina Telgemeier's works are explicitly directed at her graphic novel 'Drama' or her broader bibliography, with 'Ghosts' separately highlighted for its 'focus on death'. No specific scenes or character interactions within 'Ghosts' depict or allude to LGBTQ identities or themes.
Violence
LowThe graphic novel contains no graphic violence, gore, or physical altercations. Any intensity related to physical well-being stems from the depiction of Maya's chronic illness rather than acts of violence.
The book's emotional weight comes from Maya's struggle with cystic fibrosis, which includes depictions of coughing and needing medical equipment for treatment. For instance, a scene where Maya overexerts herself playing with ghosts and needs to be hospitalized illustrates a health crisis, not a violent incident. There are no explicit depictions of injuries, fight scenes, or lethal actions by characters.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe book is entirely free of explicit romantic relationships or sexual content. The primary focus of character relationships is on familial bonds and friendship, appropriate for its middle-grade audience.
The story emphasizes the deep connection between sisters Catrina and Maya, and the friendships they form in Bahía de la Luna. There are no scenes of romantic kissing, suggestive language, or any implied sexual activity. The narrative prioritizes themes of family support and navigating illness rather than romantic or sexual relationships.
Profanity
LowThe graphic novel contains no strong profanity or offensive language. The dialogue throughout the book is appropriate for middle-grade readers.
The characters in "Ghosts" use clean and age-appropriate language throughout the narrative. There are no instances of curse words, strong expletives, or other forms of offensive language. The dialogue reflects typical conversations among children and adolescents without resorting to profanity.
Substance Use
LowThe graphic novel does not contain any depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
No characters in "Ghosts" are shown consuming alcohol, using drugs, or smoking. The narrative avoids these themes entirely, focusing on the everyday experiences and emotional journey of its young protagonists. There are no references to addiction, illicit substances, or substance-related behavior.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowInstances of disrespect and rebellion are mild, focusing on Catrina's typical adolescent resistance to a major life change. Her hesitancy and unhappiness about moving are driven by personal anxiety rather than deliberate defiance against authority.
Catrina displays initial reluctance and a "closed-minded" attitude towards her family's move to Bahía de la Luna and its unique traditions, stemming from her discomfort and fear of the unknown. This behavior is portrayed as a natural reaction to being uprooted and dealing with her sister's illness, rather than a pattern of disrespectful or rebellious acts against her parents or other adults. Ultimately, Catrina learns to overcome her fears and adapt to her new home.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book features the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, which, while spiritual, is presented as a cultural celebration of remembrance with indigenous and Catholic roots. There are no explicit anti-Christian messages, mockery, or criticism of Christian beliefs within the narrative.
The celebration of Día de los Muertos is depicted as a respectful and festive tradition for honoring deceased loved ones, involving altars and community gatherings. The narrative focuses on the cultural aspects of this holiday and the concept of connecting with ancestors, without promoting any anti-Christian sentiment or practices. No characters express negative opinions or engage in activities that would be considered sacrilegious or mocking of Christian faith.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 8-12. The book sensitively addresses themes of chronic illness, death, and cultural traditions surrounding the afterlife (Día de los Muertos), which can be emotionally resonant for this age group. While ghosts are a central element, they are generally portrayed in a benign and celebratory cultural context rather than as overtly frightening. Younger readers should be mature enough to engage with the concept of death and a sibling's serious illness.
Additional Notes
Some cultural critics have raised concerns about the depiction of Día de los Muertos in "Ghosts," citing it as an instance of cultural appropriation by a non-Latina author, particularly regarding the historical context of Spanish missions in California and the portrayal of ghosts' preferences. While this is not an in-book content concern in terms of themes, it is a point of discussion in broader literary and cultural circles that parents interested in authenticity might consider. The book primarily focuses on themes of family, illness, and coming to terms with change and mortality.
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