Cast No Shadow

Gr 5–8—Greg was born without a shadow, which doesn't bother him until he and his best friend Layla explore a haunted house and he learns that he can see ghosts, including Eleanor. As he falls for her (and they exchange kisses), he discovers more about the history of his town and has to battle his own shadow—an evil, conniving part of himself—while dealing with his dad's new girlfriend, who's moving in, and Layla's new boyfriend. Though this graphic novel has occasional narrative hiccups and confusing characterizations, such as a popular kid's strange obsession with befriending Greg, many elements will appeal to fans of the format, including comic relief in the form of the town's tourist traps (e.g., giant hairballs). The art is sometimes muddled, but Espinosa provides a creative twist on supernatural themes.