Raina Telgemeier’s Ghosts blends the supernatural with the deeply human in a graphic novel that resonates with both youthful exuberance and poignant maturity. Telgemeier, known for her insightful forays into young adult themes as seen in her acclaimed works Smile and Sisters, once again captures the complexity of familial bonds and personal growth in this engaging narrative.

In Ghosts, we meet Catrina, a young girl whose family relocates to the Northern Californian coast, driven by hopes that the seaside air will aid her younger sister Maya’s battle with cystic fibrosis. The move pulls Cat away from familiar social landscapes and plunges her into the mysterious aura of Bahía de la Luna, a town where the borders between the living and the dead seem intriguingly thin.

One of the strengths of Ghosts lies in Telgemeier’s effective use of the graphic novel medium. Her artwork, characterized by expressive characters and dynamic layouts, vividly captures the emotional landscape of the sisters’ journey. The coastal setting, with its pervasive fog and ethereal scenery, complements the story’s mystical elements. Telgemeier’s color palette oscillates harmoniously between the earthy tones of daily life and the ethereal hues associated with the ghostly apparitions, enhancing the thematic dichotomy of reality and fantasy.

Narratively, Ghosts tackles heavy themes with a commendable lightness of touch. Maya’s illness, cystic fibrosis, is handled with honesty and respect, highlighting her vivacity and resilience rather than casting her as merely a victim of her condition. The storyline delves into cultural aspects of death and remembrance, integrating the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, which serves not only as a plot device but also as an educational component that enriches the narrative.

However, the novel’s exploration of cultural themes sometimes skirts the boundaries of appropriation. While the intention is clearly to celebrate, the somewhat superficial engagement with a complex tradition might prompt readers to question its depth and authenticity. Nevertheless, Telgemeier’s attempt to intertwine these cultural elements with the storyline provides a platform for further discussion and exploration among her readers.

The sibling dynamic between Cat and Maya is compellingly portrayed, with Cat’s protective skepticism counterbalancing Maya’s impulsive enthusiasm for the supernatural. This relationship is the heartbeat of the story, offering both tension and tenderness, and ultimately delivering lessons about acceptance, courage, and the many forms of letting go.

Ghosts also subtly addresses themes of fear and acceptance—fear of the unknown, of illness, of loss, but also the acceptance that comes with understanding and love. Through Cat’s journey, young readers will find valuable lessons in empathy and the strength that comes from confronting personal ghosts—literal and metaphorical.

In conclusion, Raina Telgemeier’s Ghosts is a layered and visually arresting graphic novel that speaks to both children and adults. It touches on difficult themes with a light yet poignant approach, carried by relatable characters and bolstered by a vividly rendered setting. While it navigates some cultural elements with less depth than might be desired, it remains a meaningful addition to Telgemeier’s body of work and to the young adult graphic novel genre. Highly recommended for those seeking a story of depth and delight, wrapped in the embrace of evocative visuals.