Ghost Boy by Iain Lawrence

I saw this book on a display at the library and it brought back memories from elementary school, so I couldn't resist checking it out and revisiting it! Some books we read and love as children are timeless and we can revisit them again and again. This one was a quick read and entertaining, but the plot was definitely very straightforward and much more predictable than my 5th grade self remembers (I also just finished A Storm of Swords which is perhaps one of the most detailed and complex plots of all time, so that may be why I felt so disappointed). It definitely brought back memories of being "different" and not fitting in, which is probably why I found it so relatable in elementary school. I was never a "popular" kid, and was much happier with my books than interacting with other people (I wonder if all book lovers have a little bit of "outsider" in them?). I definitely love stories of those who don't fit in: The Phantom of the Opera, Jane Eyre, Beauty and the Beast, etc., and it's probably because I WAS that kid, and many times still am. I loved the animals in the book especially, Honey. The elephant storyline was SO similar to Water for Elephants I had to look up which was published first-and it was this book! I wonder if Sara Gruen drew any inspiration from this? Water for Elephants is definitely more "grown up", but there were so many similarities I definitely wonder...It was pretty basic and predictable, but nonetheless, a fun little wave of nostalgia.

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