Ghost Boy (Laurel-Leaf Books)

This story was on our Book Club book list. I didn’t like a situation near the end of the story. The ending was positive. The book was the perfect length.

Can I add one more star? I didn't realize that I never got around to reviewing this book. I read it to my son 3 years ago, yet it feels like yesterday. What can I say. It's a "classic." maybe not yet, because it's somewhat new, but it will be a book that will have timeless enjoyment and depth. My son saw it in his 5th grade class room. His reading group wasn't reading it, but he wanted to, so I bought it. (He thought it was about a ghost.) It's about an albino. We ended up doing research about albino's via online, out of curiosity.This book is so fantastic, I had to buy it for my son's 6th grade teacher and my daughters current 5 grade teacher. It covers so many important topics; Segregation by choice/ and forced. Trying to fit in with groups. Crossing over social groups. Bullying and accepting people for their differences; looking deeper than skin, size, deformities or disabilities.I think ALL 5th and 6th grade teachers should read this to their class, or better yet, have the children read it in small groups with daily discussions.

A wonderful, rivetting book, kept me intrigued for days ( I read really GOOD books slowly, so I don't have to read it twice.) It was SO fascinating and interesting to read what the writer experienced, before he even was "awakened" per se, to begin to communicate with his family. To eventually go to school, grow up, even though severely incapacitated, study, learn, and meet someone who he eventually married. Beyond more explanation, would be terribly redundant, but he will capture your heart and stimulate your mind with his successes, and experiences. I am hoping he will eventually write another.... a sequel to the former, capturing "what all happens next." Hi family's tenacity and dedication are exemplary, and the main stimulus to his awakening. Very commendable parenting. I highly recommend it.

I think this book should be on the reading list for middle school and high school.

I read this book years ago when I was in elementary school and decided to revisit it as an adult. There are sections of great writing (especially the descriptions) and sharp, vivid dialogue, but I thought the plot was a bit questionable. The main character disappears from his hometown to join the circus and no one really seems to notice. The book takes place decades ago--a different time, obviously--but I still thought it was strange that no one tried to find him, and the circus gave him a job as an elephant trainer despite a complete lack of experience. It's worth reading, but when it was over I wasn't sure what to make of the story.

GHOST BOY is a coming of age story about an albino boy who lives in a small town.The boy, Harold, is the butt of mean jokes by the local kids. When he runs away and joins the circus, he learns a lot about himself and his skills. When he returns home, he has the courage to face up to his detractors. The author, Iain Lawrence, has done a masterful job of setting the stage, building the characters, making you want to read more. Wonderful novel for kids ages 10-14, or even adults who like good writing. ]Marge Wood

I first read this book in my 7th grade year (I'm currently a 9th grader) and it was honestly a really helpful book for me. It was a coming of age story that honestly helped my coming of age. The main character Harold is easy to relate to even if it doesn't seem that way at first. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone I can. It's worth the buy.

I'm far beyond middle school (& middle-age) and I very much enjoyed this book. It's a little bit fantastical and a lot thought-provoking. Aside from the well-paced plot, it was a delight to learn about the elephants and about traveling circuses of yesteryear.

Made its way into my top ten faves