Ghosted by Michael Fry (review)

Fry, Michael Ghosted; written and illus. by Michael Fry. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021 [272p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780358269618 $13.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780358270102 $9.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-7

Twelve-year-old Larry is shocked when his best friend, Grimm, dies in a freak accident, but he doesn't have much time to mourn because Grimm soon shows up as a ghost that only Larry can see. The two, informed by movies, quickly realize that Grimm must need to resolve some unfinished business before he can move on. At first there's no urgency, since both friends are relieved to still have their boisterous bond. As time passes, however, Grimm misses the things he can no longer do, and Larry's habit of energetically responding to what appears to be empty space is starting to worry people. Frequent comic black and white illustrations move the story forward, highlighting poor Larry's apparent discussions with air when others are around. Wimpy Kid fans will appreciate the sardonic tone and the subtle ways in which Fry explores the fact that a best friend might not always be a good guy to others. Grimm is, in fact, a jerk to most people other than Larry, and Larry's slow realization of that fact helps to cement his own identity distinct from his pal. For a goofy book that has so much bullying, longing for the ability to pee again, and ridiculous bucket list ideas (bathing in spaghetti?), the takeaway is a tender, poignant one: sometimes the most important, kindest thing we can do is help someone else let go of us.