The Girl and the Ghost

By: Hanna Alkaf

Narrated by: Mirai Booth-Ong

* Chosen as a 2020 Kirkus Prize Finalist for Young Readers' Literature! *

A Malaysian folk tale comes to life in this emotionally layered, chilling middle grade debut, perfect for fans of The Book of Boy and The Jumbies.

I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command.

Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable.

But Suraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side—and when Pink’s shadows threaten to consume them both, they must find enough light to survive . . . before they are both lost to the darkness.

Fans of Holly Black’s Doll Bones and Tahereh Mafi’s Furthermore series will love this ghostly middle grade debut that explores jealousy, love, and the extraordinary power of friendship.

Very Sweet

I read this book because someone compared it to Studio Ghibli and I fully agree. The magic and mystery in this story is similar to the feeling of movies like KiKi’s delivery service, only slightly darker. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

a new take on middle grade ghost stories

I really liked this book the Muslim backdrop was just that, not a main focus. The pawang was not as developed as I wanted and I had questions about his powers and how he did things. I also had a problem with the random mention of Pinocchio, as foreshadowing.

great book

I enjoyed this book. although it is kind of creepy, it's also humorous, sweet, and just really interesting. Girl and the Ghost is about letting go, friendship, and magic. I recommend it to everyone