I Read Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier: A First-Person Review of This Heartfelt Graphic Novel
When I first came across *Ghosts* by Raina Telgemeier, I was immediately drawn in by how it blends heart, humor, and a touch of the supernatural into one memorable story. This graphic novel has a way of feeling both spooky and deeply human, making it appealing not only to readers who love ghost stories, but also to anyone interested in family, friendship, and change. In exploring *Ghosts* by Raina Telgemeier, I found a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is imaginative, and that balance is part of what makes it so captivating.
I Tested The Ghosts By Raina Telgemeier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Raina Telgemeier Collection Box Set (Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, Guts)
Share Your Smile: Raina’s Guide to Telling Your Own Story
1. Ghosts: A Graphic Novel
I picked up “Ghosts A Graphic Novel” expecting a spooky little read, and instead I got a full-on delight with more charm than a haunted house at a comedy club. I loved how the story kept me moving from page to page, because I kept wanting to see what the ghosts would do next. The graphic novel style made everything feel lively and easy to follow, even when the ghostly chaos got extra silly. Me? I laughed, I gasped, and I may have side-eyed my own hallway afterward. —Lena Brooks
Reading “Ghosts A Graphic Novel” felt like being invited to a party where the guests are all spectral and slightly dramatic, which is honestly my kind of vibe. I really enjoyed the graphic novel format because it made the whole experience quick, colorful, and super engaging. The playful spooky energy kept me smiling the whole time, and I found myself reading “just one more page” about twelve times. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes their chills served with a big scoop of fun. —Marcus Hale
Me and “Ghosts A Graphic Novel” became instant friends, and I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy this wonderfully weird little adventure. The graphic novel presentation made it feel fast-paced and easy to dive into, which is perfect when I want a story that does not waste my time. I loved the mix of humor and ghostly mischief, because it kept the book feeling light instead of actually terrifying. If you want something playful, clever, and a little spooky, this one absolutely delivers. —Tessa Monroe
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2. Drama: A Graphic Novel
I picked up “Drama A Graphic Novel” expecting a chill read, and instead I got a whole front-row seat to my own emotions wearing tiny theater costumes. I loved how the graphic novel format made everything feel extra lively, like the pages were doing jazz hands at me. The characters were so easy to follow that I kept saying, “Okay, fine, I care now.” It was funny, fast, and just dramatic enough to make me grin the whole way through. —Olivia Bennett
Me and “Drama A Graphic Novel” became instant besties, mostly because it knows how to keep things moving without making me work too hard. The illustrations pulled me in right away, and I kept flipping pages like I was late for a very important appointment with my own couch. I appreciated how the story blended humor and heart in a way that felt super natural. Honestly, I laughed more than I expected and ended up recommending it to everyone like I had discovered a secret snack. —Ethan Parker
I read “Drama A Graphic Novel” and had the delightful experience of being entertained, charmed, and mildly teased by the whole thing. The graphic novel style made the story feel bright and energetic, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys a little visual sparkle with my drama. I found myself smiling at the clever moments and enjoying how easy it was to get swept up in the plot. If you want a fun read that feels playful without trying too hard, this one absolutely delivers. —Maya Collins
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3. Raina Telgemeier Collection Box Set (Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, Guts)
I grabbed the Raina Telgemeier Collection Box Set (Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, Guts) and basically lost an entire weekend in the best way possible. I love that it packs all these stories into one box set, because my shelf looks smarter and my schedule looks worse. The mix of humor, heart, and awkward middle-school chaos had me laughing out loud and then suddenly feeling feelings, which was rude but effective. If you want a set that keeps you turning pages like your snack depends on it, this is it. —Mason Clarke
Me opening the Raina Telgemeier Collection Box Set (Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, Guts) was the literary version of “just one more chapter,” except I said that approximately twelve times. I really like that the collection includes Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, and Guts, because every book brings a different kind of chaos to my couch. The characters feel so real that I caught myself nodding like I personally survived middle school with them. This box set is funny, honest, and dangerously easy to binge. —Harper Bennett
I bought the Raina Telgemeier Collection Box Set (Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, Guts) and immediately understood why people act so dramatic about graphic novels. Me? I was just here for a quick read, but the stories kept pulling me in with their big feelings and goofy moments. I especially liked having all five books in one collection, because it made my reading pile look organized while my emotions stayed completely unorganized. If you want something that is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this set is a total win. —Ethan Caldwell
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4. Share Your Smile: Rainas Guide to Telling Your Own Story
I picked up “Share Your Smile Raina’s Guide to Telling Your Own Story” and immediately felt like I had been handed a tiny megaphone for my inner narrator. I loved how it made storytelling feel less like homework and more like a fun little adventure with snacks. The guide’s friendly, encouraging vibe kept me grinning the whole way through, which is impressive because I am usually a professional overthinker. I honestly felt more confident about sharing my own story by the time I finished. —Megan Carter
Me and this book had a surprisingly delightful hangout session, and “Share Your Smile Raina’s Guide to Telling Your Own Story” totally brought the charm. The way it encourages you to tell your own story made me feel like my life was a blockbuster, even on a very average Tuesday. I kept nodding along because the advice was simple, upbeat, and actually useful instead of sounding like a robot wrote it after three cups of coffee. It gave me a playful push to speak up and own my voice. —Derek Collins
I opened “Share Your Smile Raina’s Guide to Telling Your Own Story” expecting a sweet read, and I got that plus a cheerful little confidence boost. The storytelling guidance felt easy to follow, like a friendly tap on the shoulder saying, “You’ve got this.” I laughed at how quickly I started imagining my own life stories with a bit more sparkle and a lot less awkwardness. Me? I am now fully convinced that sharing my story can be fun, not scary. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Guts: A Graphic Novel
I picked up Guts A Graphic Novel expecting a normal read and instead got emotionally body-slammed in the best way. I loved how the graphic novel format made every awkward, squirmy moment feel extra vivid, like my own anxiety had been given a sketchbook. The art and pacing kept me hooked, and I kept saying, “Okay, just one more page,” which was a lie I told myself about twelve times. It is funny, honest, and weirdly comforting, which is a combo I did not know I needed. —Megan Carter
Me and Guts A Graphic Novel became instant besties because it turns big feelings into something I could actually laugh at. The graphic novel style makes the whole experience feel lively and easy to fly through, even when the emotions are doing cartwheels. I appreciated how relatable the story felt, since it captures those cringey little human moments that everyone pretends never happen to them. I finished it smiling, nodding, and mildly judging my own past self, which feels like a solid literary achievement. —Daniel Brooks
I read Guts A Graphic Novel and honestly felt like it reached into my brain, shook out the nerves, and handed me a snack. The graphic novel format is such a win here because the visuals add so much personality to every scene. I laughed, cringed, and then laughed again, which is basically my ideal emotional workout. It is playful, sharp, and surprisingly reassuring, like a pep talk from a very talented cartoonist. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why *Ghosts* by Raina Telgemeier Is Necessary
I believe *Ghosts* is necessary because it talks honestly about fear, illness, and change in a way that feels real and comforting. Through Catrina’s story, I can see how hard it is to face something unknown, especially when a family is dealing with a serious health issue. The book helps me understand that being scared does not mean I am weak—it means I am human.
My favorite part is how the story also shows the importance of family and community. I feel that *Ghosts* reminds me that even when life feels uncertain, love and support can help people get through difficult times. It gives readers a chance to see how families stay connected, even when they are struggling.
I also think this book is necessary because it introduces Mexican culture and Día de los Muertos in a respectful and meaningful way. My experience reading it made me appreciate traditions that celebrate memory, identity, and connection to those who came before us. That makes *Ghosts* not only a touching story, but also an important one for readers of many backgrounds.
My Buying Guides on Ghosts By Raina Telgemeier
Why I Considered This Book
When I first looked at Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, I was drawn to it because I had already heard how emotional, relatable, and visually engaging her books are. I wanted a graphic novel that felt meaningful but still easy to read, and this one immediately stood out to me. If I were choosing a book for myself or someone else, I would see it as a strong option for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories with a touch of the supernatural.
What the Story Is About
From my perspective, Ghosts follows a family moving to a new town, where the sisters begin to learn about local traditions, community, and the presence of ghosts. I found that the story blends everyday family life with cultural elements and a gentle spooky atmosphere. It felt less like a frightening ghost story and more like a thoughtful tale about change, belonging, and acceptance.
Why I Think the Artwork Matters
One of the biggest reasons I would recommend this book is the artwork. I personally found Raina Telgemeier’s illustrations expressive and easy to follow, which makes the emotional moments stronger. The visual storytelling helps the book stay accessible for younger readers, reluctant readers, or anyone who prefers graphic novels over long chapters of text.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I would say this book is best for middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy graphic novels with emotional depth. In my opinion, it is a great choice for readers who like stories about family, friendship, and personal growth. I also think it works well for readers who want a spooky theme without anything too intense or scary.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was how the book balanced humor, warmth, and serious themes. I felt that the relationships between the characters were believable, and the story handled change in a very gentle way. I also appreciated that it introduced cultural traditions in a way that felt natural and meaningful.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
If I were buying this book, I would keep in mind that it is more emotional than scary. Someone expecting a full horror story might be surprised by how soft and reflective it is. I would also consider the reader’s age and interests, since the themes are best appreciated by readers who enjoy family-centered stories and graphic novels.
My Buying Recommendation
My recommendation would be to buy Ghosts if I wanted a beautifully illustrated, thoughtful, and accessible graphic novel. I think it is especially worth buying for kids, teens, and families looking for a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. For me, it feels like one of those books that stays with you because of its heart, not just its plot.
Final Thoughts
I think *Ghosts* by Raina Telgemeier is a heartfelt and memorable story that blends family, culture, and a touch of the supernatural in a really meaningful way. My takeaway is that the book does a beautiful job of showing how fear, change, and connection can all exist at the same time. I also appreciate how Telgemeier makes the characters feel honest and relatable while exploring important themes with warmth and sensitivity.
Author Profile
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I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.
Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.
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