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Cover of Ghosts

Age rating and parents' guide:Ghosts

by Raina Telgemeier

Ages 9–14

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Sibling illness theme.

Catrina and her family move to a foggy coastal town because the salty air might help her younger sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis. Cat wants nothing to do with the local rumors about real spirits walking the streets, but Maya is eager to meet one.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Sibling illness theme

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Graphic novel
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Plenty of illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Animals

Reading mood

  • Playful

Good to talk about

  • Family

Books like Ghosts

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

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    Ages 9–14

    Measuring Up

    by Lily LaMotte

    Having recently moved from Taiwan to Seattle, twelve-year-old Cici misses her beloved grandmother A-má terribly. Desperate to buy A-má a plane ticket for her seventieth birthday, Cici enters a local kids' cooking competition with a grand cash prize. Makes everyday food and family moments fun to talk about together.

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  • Cover of Ganesha (Amar Chitra Katha)

    Ages 6–12

    Ganesha (Amar Chitra Katha)

    by Anant Pai

    This classic comic introduces young readers to Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed Hindu deity of wisdom and new beginnings. Through colorful graphic storytelling, it follows the popular legends of his birth, how he received his elephant head, and the clever race around the world against his brother Kartikeya. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.

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  • Cover of Shiva (Amar Chitra Katha)

    Ages 6–12

    Shiva (Amar Chitra Katha)

    by Anant Pai

    This graphic novel introduces young readers to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology. Through vibrant comic panels, the book depicts key legends, including his role as the cosmic destroyer, his marriage to Parvati, and the descent of the sacred river Ganga. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.

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  • Cover of Smile

    Ages 9–14

    Smile

    by Raina Telgemeier

    In sixth grade, Raina trips and severely injures her two front teeth, kicking off an arduous multi-year saga of braces, surgery, and headgear. Alongside her dental troubles, she has to navigate middle school social drama, shifting friendships, and her first crushes. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.

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  • Cover of Sheets

    Ages 12–14

    Sheets

    by Brenna Thummler

    Thirteen-year-old Marjorie Glatt is barely keeping things together. While dealing with the loss of her mother and an overwhelmed father, she is forced to run the family laundromat, all while facing pressure from a sleazy local businessman and cruel classmates. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.

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  • Cover of The One and Only Ivan

    Ages 9–11

    The One and Only Ivan

    by Katherine Applegate

    Ivan is an easygoing gorilla who has lived for years in a glass enclosure at a roadside shopping mall, spending his time watching television and painting. He is used to his small world until Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, arrives. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.

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On these book lists

  • Graphic novels for kids

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Ghosts for?
Ghosts suits children aged 9–14. It is a graphic novel: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is Ghosts appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Sibling illness theme.
Q: What should my child read after Ghosts?
Try Measuring Up, Ganesha (Amar Chitra Katha) and Shiva (Amar Chitra Katha). They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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