Young Adult Novel
The novel, Ghost, was written by American author, Jason Reynolds. In Ghost, A young boy named Castle Crenshaw, also known as Ghost, struggles to cope with his traumatic childhood until he joins the Defenders track team. Through being a part of the track team, Ghost learns that his past does not define him. His coach's personal story of overcoming his past to become an Olympic gold medalist inspires him to use his past as a stepping stone toward his future goals. Coach is a role model and mentor to his track students, challenging them to step up to their potential, not only in track but also in their life goals. Ghost learns that despite the challenges that come with growing up in an impoverished neighborhood where he is surrounded by crime and violence, he has the choice to determine how these circumstances will affect his life. Ghost concludes that he can’t change his past, but he can choose who he wants to become.