We Are the Ghosts

Gr 9 Up–Ellie is 16 when she learns that Luke, her older brother who disappeared a year ago, has died in a car wreck. She doesn’t know whether to be sad, angry, or relieved that she now knows where he is. She makes it through the funeral feeling nothing, ignoring the people around her like she has since Luke disappeared. Ellie has created an impenetrable shell around herself, keeping out Luke’s best friend and ex-girlfriend. She even refuses to interact with Cade, who used to come over and play. After the funeral, however, Ellie discovers a new and critical piece of information that may help her…or destroy her. Either way, she is going to take it and find out. She gathers up Luke’s best friend, his ex-girlfriend, and Cade and embarks on an adventure to find the truth, no matter what it means for them. Teens who enjoy drama will love the pace and dialogue of this second book by Skinner. The inner dialogue of the main character moves readers along and creates an almost intuitive understanding of Ellie. This haunting mystery will engage teens who have had to come to know themselves better via the people around them.