Songs for Ghosts
Written by Clara Kumagai
Published by Harry N. Abrams
When Adam discovers a diary in his attic, he is enthralled by its account of a young woman’s life in Nagasaki. A hundred years separate them, yet like Adam, she is caught between cultures, relationships, and heartbreak.
She also writes of the ghosts that have begun to seek her out, which Adam dismisses as fantasy—until he begins to be haunted by her terrifying spirit. Unravelling the mystery of her identity—and the wrong done to her—seems to be the only way to save himself.
This leads Adam to a home stay in Nagasaki, where he begins to reconnect to his heritage not only through Japanese language and culture, but also by connecting with long-lost family members. And then begins a race against time as Adam and his new crush, Jo, attempt to untangle a story that has rippled through generations . . .
Primary ISBN: 9781419768538
Publication Date: August 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older
Community Represented: Japanese/Japanese American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Generation: 1st, Genre: Historical, Genre: Mystery, Genre: Paranormal, Identity: Exploration, Identity: Multiracial, LGBTQIA+, Multilingual: Japanese Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Setting: Home Country, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend, Trauma & Healing: Intergenerational
Setting: United States, Japan (Nagasaki)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation, Home Country
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.