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“A shy teenager rejected by his father and a nosy 9-year-old ghost untangle a complicated web of lies. Damian, a teen of Filipino descent who lives with Lolo, his grandfather, is the quiet new kid at a school where having the best story can earn you friends and popularity. So, when Damian accidentally summons Saskia, the spirit of a little girl who died after becoming lost in the woods, he invents a story to explain why he didn’t use his rare, precious Spirit Flower to be reunited with his mom, who died when he was 4—he says someone stole it. …The delicate and expressive illustrations are executed in shades of gray, black, and navy; the gold accents of the Spirit Flower signify its value in bringing back those who have passed.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Ditching Saskia

Written by John Moore
Illustrated by Neetols
Published by Flying Eye Books

A heart-warming, supernatural slice-of-life graphic novel that gently weaves together tough, everyday themes of identity, grief, and accepting flaws in those we love the most.

Living with his grandfather and struggling in a new high school, Damian decides to summon his mother’s ghost so he can talk things out – but he blows it and summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Trying to settle into his new life, Damian doesn’t need her hanging around trying to ‘help’ him with his crush – but Saskia’s suffering too, and everything they’re both hiding deep down might be just what they both need to get some peace. John Moore and Neetols paint a sweet and hilarious tale of young love amid grief, where someone’s flaws might be the reason you love them the most.

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Paperback
Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Age 13 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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