The Ghost in Me
If you knew a person who was willing to live through your worst nightmare, would you let her? Like any other fourteen-year-old, Myri Anna Monaco has problems she doesn’t know how to deal with: a crush on her best friend’s boyfriend, a mother who’s dating her science teacher, and a “punishment” for a science-project-gone-wrong that lands her in the last place she wants to be–in auditions for the school play. But most girls don’t have what Myri has–a ghost named Wren, who not only lives at home, but who is willing to “trade places” whenever she is needed. Although Myri is reluctant at first, Wren’s offer becomes a quick and easy solution when her problems collide. However, this brief experience in ghostly possession soon takes Myri’s life to new levels. How much will Myri lose to avoid the problems mounting around her? How much will Wren take to fulfill her own desires?
First, I would like to thank Shaunda Kennedy Wenger for the opportunity to read and review her book.
Myri is terrified of public speaking. Science fair presentations, theater productions, and speaking in front of the class gives her the heebie jeebies. When Myri is forced to join the drama club for required extra curricular course credit, her worst nightmare has become a reality. To make things even worse, she is required to audition for the school play. Enter Myri’s friend Wren, who also happens to be ghost. To avoid the thing she fears most, Wren steps in and poses as Myri. This seems like an ideal solution to all of Myri’s stage freight problems, until things start to go wrong.
Myri goes through a lot of things that many young girls can relate to, including self esteem issues, liking boys that other girls like, and embarrassing moments. How she handles all these issues may not be exactly how she should but it’s fun to watch her work through things. There’s a lot more to Myri than she realizes and her friends, Roz, Wren, and Duey, help her to see there is no need for her hide.
The Ghost in Me is a fun story with a little bit of moral and I highly recommend this story to middle school age readers. It may not be a middle grade novel that adults will want to read but it’s certainly one that they would want their children to read. Wenger does a great job weaving the story as well balancing humor with more serious moments. The chapters are short and the pace move quickly. Throughout the book, the story holds your interest and frequently makes you smile. Overall, The Ghost in Me is a very cute read.