Review: Pleasing the Ghost by Sharon Creech

Synopsis: Newbery Medal winner and master storyteller Sharon Creech spins a wonderfully funny and tender tale, now with fresh and gorgeous new cover art! As nine-year-old Dennis confronts the ghost of his uncle Arvie, Arvie's eccentric antics and wonderful wordplay keep the reader laughing. But at its tender heart, the story reveals the holes left in our lives when we lose the ones we love. Ever since nine-year-old Dennis's dad died, a veritable parade of ghosts has been passing through his bedroom. When the ghost of his uncle Arvie blows into his room on a warm breeze, Dennis isn't surprised, but Uncle Arvie is the first ghost who wants something from Dennis. Dennis would love to help Uncle Arvie, but he can't quite understand what Uncle Arvie is asking for. What, for example, is "Fraggle pin Heartfoot a wig pasta"? Dennis has to find out, because this is one ghost who isn't going to leave until he gets what he came for. Uncle Arvie's antics and Dennis's attempts to please his ghost form the heart of this touching story. (from the online description)

Review: This is a strange, funny little story. Dennis can see ghosts - but never the ghost he most wants to see - his father. Instead, he gets his Uncle Arvie, a stroke victim who has Aphasia. Dennis must complete three "pleases" before Arvie will leave - and along the way, Dennis learns about friendship, family, love - and ghosts. While it does deal with the death of a loved one, it's subtle and not dark or sappy. In the end, the story was a bit odd, but I think kids will enjoy it. I did!

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-439-69738-7
Date Finished: 8-16-2015
Pages: 89