Ghosts: A Graphic Novel

Introduction

This manual provides an overview and guidance for enjoying Ghosts, a graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier. It is designed to help readers understand the story, its unique format, and how to care for their copy.

The story follows Catrina and her family as they move to the Northern California coast. Her younger sister, Maya, has cystic fibrosis, and the cool, salty air is believed to benefit her. While exploring their new home, they discover a secret: Bahía de la Luna is home to ghosts. Maya is eager to meet them, but Cat is hesitant. As the time for ghosts to reunite with loved ones approaches, Cat must overcome her fears for Maya's sake and her own. This is a moving and insightful story about family, friendship, and courage.

Understanding Your Graphic Novel

A graphic novel combines sequential art with text to tell a story. To fully appreciate Ghosts, understanding its format is key.

• Panel Progression: Read panels from left to right, and then top to bottom, similar to reading traditional text.
• Speech Bubbles: These contain character dialogue. Follow the tail of the bubble to identify the speaker.
• Thought Bubbles: Often cloud-shaped, these represent a character's internal thoughts.
• Narration Boxes: Rectangular boxes typically provide narrative text, setting, or additional information.

The cover of Ghosts, featuring the two main characters, Catrina and Maya, against a blue, wavy background, hinting at the coastal setting and the ethereal theme.

Reading the Story

Engage with the narrative by paying attention to both the text and the illustrations. The artwork conveys emotions, atmosphere, and plot details that complement the written dialogue and narration.

• Pacing: Allow yourself to absorb the details in each panel. Graphic novels can be read at a different pace than traditional prose.
• Visual Cues: Observe character expressions, body language, and background elements for deeper understanding of the story and character development.
• Emotional Depth: The combination of art and text is designed to evoke strong emotions and provide a rich reading experience.

Caring for Your Book

To ensure the longevity of your graphic novel, please follow these care instructions:

• Handling: Turn pages carefully to avoid tearing. Avoid bending the cover or spine excessively to prevent damage.
• Storage: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping. Keep it upright on a bookshelf.
• Cleanliness: Keep the book away from food and drinks to avoid stains. If necessary, gently wipe the cover with a dry, soft cloth.

Further Exploration

If you wish to delve deeper into the story or explore related works:

• Re-reading: Graphic novels often reveal new details and nuances upon re-reading.
• Author's Other Works: Explore other acclaimed graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier, such as Smile, Drama, and Sisters.
• Publisher Information: For more details about this book or other titles, visit the publisher's website: Scholastic.

Specifications