Day of the Living Liv

Spirited #1

by Liv Livingston, Glass House Graphics (Illustrator)

The only living girl in a ghost town struggles to find her place in the first book in the Spirited graphic novel chapter book series.

Olivia “Liv” Livingston thinks life on the right side of Narrow Bridge is, well, just right! What’s not to love about the perfect town of Pleasant Place? But then her parents pack up and move the family to the left, spooky side of the bridge…right into Gloomsdale.

Liv quickly learns that life is going to be very different, especially in a ghost town…literally. The town looks antique, some students have gleaming fangs, and let’s just say her new house might be haunted. Will Gloomsdale dampen Liv’s spirits? Or can she creep it real and find her place?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Paranormal, Ghosts, Fiction, Juvenile

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute!

Spirited: Day of the Living Liv is the first in a spooky graphic novel series that focuses on Liv’s experience moving to a new town that’s haunted by ghosts. When she attends her new school she has trouble fitting in since she’s the only living student. Fortunately, she makes new friends and is eventually able to adjust. I like that this was a glimpse into the middle school experience with a spooky twist. The artwork was charming and really paired well with the story. I wish that the author would have explored the back story of the family more. Readers don’t really understand why they moved. There also seems to be some “rivalry” between the two towns that’s unexplained as well as her parents completely ignoring all the paranormal activity going on around them. Granted, I’m an adult reading this and I definitely think a kid would be able to spend their disbelief better than me. I still thought it was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to checking out the next volumes.

[Brittney Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a hit in our house. I read it aloud to my 5 year old who loves all things spooky. Liv moves to a new town which appears to be a bit eerie. When she arrives for her first day of school she comes across floating ghosts & bats…. & befriends a werewolf and vampire. A really cute start to a new series! Perfect for the littles that likes spooky things without it being to scary!

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[♬♩Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

really boring, don't recommend

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and lightly spooky graphic novel for 5-9 year olds. It made me smile a lot!

[rosie (donna tartt’s version)]

adorable

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute, spooky fun. I liked the art and the characters. I’d definitely read more in the series.

[Jen (noelle w. ihli's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute, good theme, be yourself etc etc. my 7 year old has been really into graphic novels lately so i might also be reading the cute spooky ones she has been checking out lmao

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Did everybody see that? This place definitely has ghosts.'
'It doesn't have ghosts. It has character!!!'
'CHARACTER!!! That just sounds like a fancy way of saying ghosts.'

Admittedly, I didn't have any specific expectations from Day of the Living Liv going in and I ended up pretty much loving the shit out of it. The humor is so up my alley and I just love the whole concept of Gloomsdale and the school for ghosts plus the friendshipp of it all. ALSO, ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH COUNT MEWCULA, the best name for a cat there can ever be, TBH LOL.

Liv is the ideal main character because you just can't help but root for her and her unexpected and unwelcome move to Gloomsdale from Pleasant Place. Their house looks a bit haunted, Liv's school turns out to be for ghosts, and they also happen to have a ghost king for a principal for some reason. Liv ends up befriending Howl Moon Jr. and Vera the vampire. Howl keeps shapeshifting into a puppy because he still hasn't gotten a hold on the whole werewolf thing, my heart.

The art is bold and quirky and completely fits the story, no notes.

This volume is basically an introduction to Liv's world and I can't wait to read volume 2 and seeing what adventures the trio will be going on next, eeee

[Eliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spirited: Day of the Living Liv
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ .5 (2.5/5) or 5.28/10 overall

Characters - 5

Atmosphere - 6

Writing - 5

Plot - 5

Intrigue - 6

Logic - 5

Enjoyment - 5

[Chase the Fiction Fanatic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 Stars

I thought this was a sweet story and I enjoyed the art style. However I wish we had more story. I will continue on with the rest of the graphic novel series, but so far it didn't live up to my expectations. Hopefully, as the story continues I'll get more invested and the story will be have an actual plot rather just set up.

Happy Reading my Friends.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute spooky graphic novel that I really enjoyed. When Liv and her family moves to Gloomsdale she is not thrilled. The town seems a bit off to her. This is true when she starts her new school and she realizes that almost all of the other kids are ghosts. Liv is a great character that you are rooting for. The illustrations are the kind that I lean towards very colorful and I loved all the spookiness. This would be a perfect read around October and fall and I look forward to reading more in the series.

Thanks so much to Simon Kids for the gifted copy.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this was just so much fun! I am happy I found this series, I got book 2 as well so I will keep on reading soon~ About a living girl, many ghosts, a vampire and a werewolf, and much more.

[Chanel Chapters]

3 stars

Very simple story of a little girl going to a school with ghosts

[Jordana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a Primary graphic novel (age 6-9), this was super cute. I love anything Halloween-y/ gothic horror so my inner child was very happy reading this.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute kid’s graphic novel. I loved the illustrations and color palette in this book and how easy the story was to follow. In Spirited: Day Of The Living Liv the story follows Liv as she and her family move from Pleasant Place to Gloomsdale. In this new town, Liv has to navigate a new school where her classmates are ghosts, werewolves and vampires. This was a great start for the series and I look forward to the future graphic novels.

Thank you Simon Kids for sending me a copy of this book.

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 The ending was cute and sweet and made me want to read the next one, but I didn’t love the plot of just following a day at school. I did like the haunted school and town setting, but I feel like I’ve just already read and lived through the things you’d go through at your first day at an new school so it just wasn’t exciting or really fun to read. This is also aimed at a younger audience than I normally read so I’m sure a kid in elementary or middle school would enjoy this more. I’m also just tired of seeing a bully in every school setting I’ve read. I do want to read the next book though!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story of a living girl who moves with her writer parents to a town otherwise populated by ghosts is fine, because the characters are cute and the world is interesting, but from an adult POV it's an insufficient origin story. Particularly, Liv's total turnaround from hater of the town to superfan after one pep talk from her new friends is definitely unearned. I'll read the next installment if it comes my way, though, and hopefully there'll be more substance to it.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

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Some dynamics of school stay the same no matter where you are. Feeling like an outsider, getting used to new teachers, and the quandary of where to sit in the cafeteria. These are true even if your school is attended by ghosts, werewolves, and vampires.

This is a pretty standard middle/high school story complete with mean cheerleaders, bad cafeteria food, and becoming best friends with the quirky kid who showed you around on your first day. Fairly predictable with a paranormal twist.

I was actually really surprised to realize the main character is supposed to be eight-years-old and in elementary school. The use of lockers, changing classes, and calculating velocity in class really gave off middle school vibes to me.

The illustrations are adorable. Loved the spooky, cutesy vibe. There were a few inconsistencies between panels that distracted me from the story (I really got stuck on the changing food and disappearing trays in the cafeteria scene).

Plotwise, this works as an introduction to Liv, her new home, and her supernatural school. It focuses on her settling in to her new life. Loved the idea of a paranormal spin, but nothing big really happened and it feels like it's just setting up the rest of the series. There are some gaps in the story that made it hard to fully engage with.

Okay read. Interested to see if the story gets more fleshed out in the next volume.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liv Livingston’s new graphic novel series for younger elementary readers features new kid, Liv, and a town and school filled with ghostly citizens and students. She and her parents may be the only non-dead residents in all of Gloomsdale and Liv is about to start her first day of school. The plot follows Liv throughout her school day trying to navigate getting to her classes (with bats monitoring the halls watching for those who are late and doorways that might disappear), finding a place to sit in the cafeteria (with obstacles like hovering food trays making the usual social juggling a bit more interesting), and a teacher who is invisible. But along with the paranormal are also the usual social manueverings of figuring out who might be a friend and which cafeteria tables are off limits to the non-cheerleaders. If the color panels of the finished copy are any indication, the illustrations are terrific and it is already clear that Liv is going to be dealing with all the usual scenarios of an elementary school student but with a twist. The SPIRITED series likely to be a popular choice with students in grades 1-4. No profanity, violence or sexual content. Representation: No overt references to race, skin color, or orientation outside of male/female but the cover indicates that Vera has darker skin.

Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster/Little Simon.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh concept with a living girl named Liv living and going to school in a town among ghosts, werewolves, and vampires. Where classrooms move around constantly, bats as hallway monitors, and classes are not what they seem to be. As Liv learns to live with this new lifestyle, she finds friendship with a werewolf named Howl and a vampire named Vera van Pire the Sixth.

I find this book refreshing and unique. It also makes me question if I will be able to read why this town is full of only ghosts and what kind of thoughts are in Liv's parent's minds when they were thinking of where to move their family to, other than finding a quiet place to write. It also seems like her parents may be hypnotized and not see the weirdness, not seeing living people walking in the streets... unless they can also see ghosts and mistaken them for living beings? I look forward to reading the next book in the series in hopes that it will answer these questions!

[Kat Ice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this graphic novel! I first saw this series on Instagram and it looked super cute! I was correct! I normally like reading these in-between books or when I don't really want to focus on much and this was at the perfect time! This is about a girl and her family that move to a ghost town. Legit - its filled with ghosts! I thought the plot was super cute and showed growth in such a young character! The only thing I was not a huge fan of was that they seemed to take the safe route so they could make it a series. Which I am excited to get to the second book but wish there was a little more substance in this one. Still a great read and cannot wait to see where it goes in the second book!

[ariana. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wholesome autumn read for a younger audience. I’d recommend to my 1st-3rd grade readers. It’s got spooky vibes without being scary. Or as my students would say “it’s a scary book but not too scary” it won’t keep them up with nightmares in other words.

Spirited is about a young girl who moves to a new town and struggles on the first day at her new school. But in the end. She fits in with a group of misfits in a school occupied by ghost.

I would get this series in my little old elementary library and hope that it would intrigue my younger students during spooky season. I on the other hand will not continue the journey. Once you read one series about growing pains, you’ve read them all. Even if it has ghost.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spirited: Day of the Living Liv
Rating:⭐⭐.5 (2.5/5) or (5.3/10)

Characters - 6

Atmosphere - 6

Writing - 5

Plot - 5

Intrigue - 5

Logic - 5

Enjoyment - 5

Okay, so this is one of my lowest rated books in a minute lol. The book was just…simple? Like maybe someone in the MG age group would enjoy this more, but it just didn’t have any ✨ to it. And I get this is the start of a series, but I felt the ending was too short and the book moved too fast. I feel like I’ve said this a lot, but I needed more information, more pages on the characters, the setting, the plot, etc….So won’t be continuing the series. I won’t say this a horrible book because it’s not. Just wasn’t for me.

[Danielle Booey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really cute graphic novel about Liv, an alive human girl who ends up moving to a new town and going to a school full of vampires, ghouls, ghosts, and werewolves. Not being supernatural makes a new school feel so much more awkward for Liv and Gloomsdale Elementary is full of the supernatural. Bats as hall monitors, a ghost king for a principal, and classrooms that move of their own awkward.

A cute story about being yourself to feel like your best self with wonderful art and lots of cute cats both living and ghostly.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable spooking graphic novel centred around a young girl who movies to a new town and school. She discovers that she’s moved to a literal ghost town, Liv struggles to fit in; and battles with the ‘identity’ of being the odd one out in a new place. But soon enough she makes new friends that she becomes fond of and finds herself liking the new place. Though a fun graphic novel for children, there’s an overall theme/message for all ages—that no matter what if you just be yourself then everything will be fine—to enjoy.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was cute (especially the art style, which was eye catching for sure), and I think it's a good start to a series. The setting and story was fun, but the overall arc felt a little short and stilted for me, making me feel like it ended without any big oomph or feeling. Since the sequel is already out and it will likely be one that kids can just fly through, it's mostly okay, but it turned me off a bit from it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise and art style of this graphic novel are both super cute! Liv has just moved to a new town full of ghosts, ghouls and all beings supernatural. And she’s the only living kid at her new school. How will she ever fit in? It has a great story and could really help kids adjust to moving to a new town. And I would love to see more of Gloomsdale’s goofy and spooky cast of characters! It’s a great way to get into the series!

[Gem · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS BOOK SUCKS! THERE IS NO PLOT, THE GHOSTS ARE LIKE A SPECIES INSTEAD OF DEAD PEOPLE, SHE MAKES FRIENDS WITH THE ONLY PEOPLE IN HER WHOOOOLE SCHOOL WHO AREN'T GHOSTS, AND DID I MENTION THERE IS NO PLOT??????? HER PARENTS KNOWINGLY LEAVE A NICE CUTE TOWN TO GO TO A TOWN WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO OTHER HUMANS?!?!?!?!?!?! IT SUCKKKKKKS! I am sorry to the author if they read this review, but this is a generally bad book, and I would like to share my opinion on it.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Public library copy

This was a charming, vaguely spooky book for younger middle grade readers, but I wanted a lot more explanation about why Liv's family moved, and why her school was full of dead children. I also wish that books for elementary students wouldn't go on and on about how horrible middle school is. Most kids have a perfectly fine time. And cafeteria food is usually pretty good.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day of the Living Liv is such a cute, wholesome, spooky story about a girl who’s unsure about her new home and school. But throughout this colorful graphic novel, she makes new friends and learns that not everything is as it seems. It’s a fun and easy read, and honestly I think it would make a great read aloud!