In the vein of Octavia Butler’s Kindred and boasting the fun of Ghostbusters, the Gibbs sisters invoke New Orleans mysticism to shed light on the city’s history. [The] vibrant, beaming color palette keep spirits—and suspense—high.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Enthralling. Bright, vivid artwork, filled with evocative detail. A sprinkle of paranormal romance will captivate readers.” — Booklist
“Well-paced. Lively and expressive manga-style illustrations. A fresh and charming modern Southern ghost story.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Quirky and fun. An engaging narrative with gorgeous illustrations makes this a captivating graphic novel and a strong purchase.” — School Library Journal
“Visually appealing… Chelsea is a terrific protagonist, but the ghosts are the stars here, mysterious, vulnerable, and each carrying their stories.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“A charming, paranormal slice-of-life.” — Youth Services Book Review (5 Stars!)
“Not only a visual delight, it's a wonderfully executed remix of the Classic Southern Gothic ghost story. A fresh take on a tried and true genre. Beautiful, romantic, exciting, and essential.” — John Jennings, #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning illustrator of Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
“Mysterious, magical, and marvelous, Ghost Roast is an unputdownable adventure about the things that haunt us in high school—first love, family secrets, and making friends with dead people. Most original graphic novel I’ve read in… forever.” — Kwame Alexander, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Crossover
"Bursting with humor and charm. An observant, page-turning tale of teenage identity, historical intrigue, and paranormal romance. It is sharp, funny, and nuanced. Equal measures fun and thoughtful, a book I could recommend to just about everyone." — Jen Wang, New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning creator of The Prince and the Dressmaker
"Mysterious history, tangled family secrets, friendship anxiety, and a handsome ghost boy build a lovely story from the Gibbs sisters. Emily Cannon’s artwork is immensely appealing and will pull readers right into Chelsea and Oliver’s world." — Molly Knox Ostertag, New York Times bestselling creator of the Witch Boy trilogy
“An end-to-end must-read that captures the essence of being a teen. One of those books that seems to cast a spell on your fingers and make them keep flipping the pages.” — Zaila Avant-Garde, New York Times bestselling author of It’s Not Bragging If It’s True
“A perfect blend of suspense and captivating characters. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down! Shawneé and Shawnelle Gibbs’s masterful storytelling and Emily Cannon’s mesmerizing illustrations transport readers into a world where the weight of history shapes the present.” — Reggie Brown, New York Times bestselling illustrator of Who Are Your People?
“For the history buff, the paranormal adventure seeker, and the romantic at heart. So sweet and so fun!” — Robyn Smith, Eisner-nominated illustrator of Nubia: Real One and Wash Day Diaries
“An instant classic in its own right. Readers will appreciate the intention and care put into the colorful cast of characters and the story's setting. A visual feast of storytelling.” — Stephanie Williams, author of Nubia & the Amazons and Nubia: Queen of the Amazons
“A cozy, ghostly tale full of mystery, history, and heart." — Nilah Magruder, Dwayne McDuffie Award-winning creator of MFK and writer of the Marvel Rising (2019) series
“Ghost Roast reels you into this fantastical story about the paranormal, family, and friendships. While the supernatural story serves as an entertaining backdrop, the core plot about the father-daughter relationship is the anchor that keeps you engaged.” — Jamie Broadnax, Founder of Black Girl Nerds
2023-10-07
A high school student tries to solve a long-buried mystery involving the spirits haunting a New Orleans mansion.
After years of being known as the Ghost Girl from the Seventh Ward, 15-year-old Chelsea Grant is now a member of the popular crowd. Shortly before summer vacation, a rowdy night out with friends ends in a jail cell. Much to her chagrin, Chelsea must spend the summer working for her father’s ghost-removal agency as punishment. When her dad is hired to exorcise Harrington Manor, Chelsea assumes the job will be another bust. However, soon after setting foot on the former sugarcane plantation, Chelsea, who is Black, realizes she can see and speak to the manor’s ghosts—including Oliver, the gorgeous Harrington heir who went missing in 1879. As Chelsea’s friendship with Oliver deepens, she uncovers grave secrets, and Oliver lies at the heart of them. In this well-paced graphic novel by the Gibbs sisters and debut artist Cannon, the tender flush of a first romance is effectively wrapped up in historical intrigue. Chelsea’s relationship with her parents is crafted with realism, and the manor’s legacy of slavery is explored with honesty. The lively and expressive manga-style illustrations complement the narrative well. Present-day scenes feature a rich, vibrant palette, while Chelsea’s flashbacks and historical interludes use faded tones.
A fresh and charming modern Southern ghost story starring a plucky hero who isn’t afraid to stand up for the truth. (Graphic paranormal. 13-18)