What do you think?
Ghosted
Can a girl and a ghost get their happily ever after? Find out in this sweet new teen romance from the award-winning author of Flipped.
Gemma and Jimmy have known each other practically all of Gemma’s life, but it isn’t until she starts high school that she notices that eternally-fifteen-year-old Jimmy is... well... dreamy! He’s kinder and funnier than the other boys her age, and she feels like her best self when she’s with him.
Meanwhile, Jimmy is shocked to realize that Gemma is growing up. Soon enough she’ll overtake him in age, and then one day, she’ll lose interest in him entirely. He knows it’s selfish to want her to stay close forever, but he can’t help it.
The problem is... their romance is doomed to fail. Jimmy is a ghost. No one except Gemma can see him, and he can’t leave the graveyard where he lives. How could they ever have a shot at love?
Set in a cozy small town and told in dual POV, this page-turning romance from the bestselling author of Flipped has all the high-stakes emotion and grandeur of a great first love story. Readers will be rooting for Gemma and Jimmy to make it, despite every obstacle thrown their way.
Gemma and Jimmy have known each other practically all of Gemma’s life, but it isn’t until she starts high school that she notices that eternally-fifteen-year-old Jimmy is... well... dreamy! He’s kinder and funnier than the other boys her age, and she feels like her best self when she’s with him.
Meanwhile, Jimmy is shocked to realize that Gemma is growing up. Soon enough she’ll overtake him in age, and then one day, she’ll lose interest in him entirely. He knows it’s selfish to want her to stay close forever, but he can’t help it.
The problem is... their romance is doomed to fail. Jimmy is a ghost. No one except Gemma can see him, and he can’t leave the graveyard where he lives. How could they ever have a shot at love?
Set in a cozy small town and told in dual POV, this page-turning romance from the bestselling author of Flipped has all the high-stakes emotion and grandeur of a great first love story. Readers will be rooting for Gemma and Jimmy to make it, despite every obstacle thrown their way.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2026
About the author
Wendelin Van Draanen
56 books2,263 followersWendelin Van Draanen has written more than thirty novels for young readers and teens. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ, and became a Warner Brothers feature film with Rob Reiner directing. Her novel The Running Dream was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.
Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.
Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.
Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.
Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.
Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.
Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
When she was eight years old, Gemma met a ghost in the cemetery of St. Agnes' church in Dove Crossing while looking for a lost earring. Jimmy had been a ghost for over 100 years, and he and five others-- the Colonel, Haggy, Trip, and Shotgun-- hung out with him, calling their group the Ethereals. While they all get along, being stuck in a graveyard for eternity is a bit boring. When Gemma comes back to the cemetery to read to them, they all enjoy the change of pace. When Gemma turns 15, however, she and Jimmy, who is also 15, share a moment and start to fall in love. Neither are quite sure what to do. Gemma is dealing with other issues; her former friend, Lexy, turned against her when Gemma first mentioned the ghosts to her, and now that the two are in high school, has spread rumors that Gemma sacrifices cats in the cemetery every Halloween. Gemma's younger brother, Matthew, is upset about this, since people make fun of him as well. After finding a friend in fellow violin player, Mae Wu, Gemma is emboldened to get back at Lexy. She also heard from the Ethereals that there was a ghost who escaped 50 years ago, a nanny named Mariela who worked for the Langston family and disappeared after their daughter, Sarah, said something to her. Gemma manages to hunt down Sarah, who is now in her sixties, and talk to her. Sarah relates that she said Mariela's name and told her that she loved her, but that Mariela's ghost became vengeful and contributed to her father's death! Along with Matthew and his friends, Gemma plans an elaborate ruse to shed light on Lexy's mean spirited bullying, making sure to be seen very publically with Mae, playing violin at the town Spooktacular while Lexy is in the cemetary. Sure enough, Lexy arrives with friends, and is surprised not only by being haunted by the Ethereals, but being videotaped by Matthew! This puts an end to the rumors, but Gemma still doesn't know how to deal with Jimmy. She's very downhearted, and her parents are concerned. Falling in love with a ghost can't possibly end well, right? I don't want to say anything more, because there are a lot of surprising twists and turns that made this a marvellously sweet romance!
Strengths: Sigh. I enjoyed this one a lot. It had parents who were present and annoying; this even helped the plot, since they forbade Gemma and her brothers from having sell phones. (But later in the book discussed how this had hurt Gemma's social life-- brilliant!) There's friend drama with the evil Lexy; no, Gemma's mom, we don't care that her parents are divorcing and she has a hard life! It was also cool to see her brother Matthew be so supportive. The idea of a group of ghosts in a picturesque cemetery is very appealing, and there is some discussion about why they all might have been stuck. Jimmy is a great character, and the romance makes perfect sense, even as the two don't know how it could possibly work. The best part of the book is the resolution and ending, but I don't want to give that away. Such a fun book.
Weaknesses: Gemma must have been reading Goldman's 1973 The Princess Bride to the ghosts, but I don't think it was ever mentioned by name. I wasn't a huge fan of Lexy's mother being described as a "Karen"; can we just stop that now?
What I really think: Last year, I had one student obsessed with Plum's 2011 Die for Me, Schwab's 2018 City of Ghosts)and Ruby's 2013 Rebel Spirits, and this is the perfect book for her. Van Draanen's author note indicated that she's been thinking about this story for about ten years, which makes perfect sense. There used to be a lot of paranomal young adult romances that were also interesting to middle grade readers, but it's been a long time since there has been something this charming! Definitely buying a copy of this for my school library, and this might entice readers who prefer murder mysterious to take a look at paranormal romances, since Van Draanen's The Steps is popular.
When she was eight years old, Gemma met a ghost in the cemetery of St. Agnes' church in Dove Crossing while looking for a lost earring. Jimmy had been a ghost for over 100 years, and he and five others-- the Colonel, Haggy, Trip, and Shotgun-- hung out with him, calling their group the Ethereals. While they all get along, being stuck in a graveyard for eternity is a bit boring. When Gemma comes back to the cemetery to read to them, they all enjoy the change of pace. When Gemma turns 15, however, she and Jimmy, who is also 15, share a moment and start to fall in love. Neither are quite sure what to do. Gemma is dealing with other issues; her former friend, Lexy, turned against her when Gemma first mentioned the ghosts to her, and now that the two are in high school, has spread rumors that Gemma sacrifices cats in the cemetery every Halloween. Gemma's younger brother, Matthew, is upset about this, since people make fun of him as well. After finding a friend in fellow violin player, Mae Wu, Gemma is emboldened to get back at Lexy. She also heard from the Ethereals that there was a ghost who escaped 50 years ago, a nanny named Mariela who worked for the Langston family and disappeared after their daughter, Sarah, said something to her. Gemma manages to hunt down Sarah, who is now in her sixties, and talk to her. Sarah relates that she said Mariela's name and told her that she loved her, but that Mariela's ghost became vengeful and contributed to her father's death! Along with Matthew and his friends, Gemma plans an elaborate ruse to shed light on Lexy's mean spirited bullying, making sure to be seen very publically with Mae, playing violin at the town Spooktacular while Lexy is in the cemetary. Sure enough, Lexy arrives with friends, and is surprised not only by being haunted by the Ethereals, but being videotaped by Matthew! This puts an end to the rumors, but Gemma still doesn't know how to deal with Jimmy. She's very downhearted, and her parents are concerned. Falling in love with a ghost can't possibly end well, right? I don't want to say anything more, because there are a lot of surprising twists and turns that made this a marvellously sweet romance!
Strengths: Sigh. I enjoyed this one a lot. It had parents who were present and annoying; this even helped the plot, since they forbade Gemma and her brothers from having sell phones. (But later in the book discussed how this had hurt Gemma's social life-- brilliant!) There's friend drama with the evil Lexy; no, Gemma's mom, we don't care that her parents are divorcing and she has a hard life! It was also cool to see her brother Matthew be so supportive. The idea of a group of ghosts in a picturesque cemetery is very appealing, and there is some discussion about why they all might have been stuck. Jimmy is a great character, and the romance makes perfect sense, even as the two don't know how it could possibly work. The best part of the book is the resolution and ending, but I don't want to give that away. Such a fun book.
Weaknesses: Gemma must have been reading Goldman's 1973 The Princess Bride to the ghosts, but I don't think it was ever mentioned by name. I wasn't a huge fan of Lexy's mother being described as a "Karen"; can we just stop that now?
What I really think: Last year, I had one student obsessed with Plum's 2011 Die for Me, Schwab's 2018 City of Ghosts)and Ruby's 2013 Rebel Spirits, and this is the perfect book for her. Van Draanen's author note indicated that she's been thinking about this story for about ten years, which makes perfect sense. There used to be a lot of paranomal young adult romances that were also interesting to middle grade readers, but it's been a long time since there has been something this charming! Definitely buying a copy of this for my school library, and this might entice readers who prefer murder mysterious to take a look at paranormal romances, since Van Draanen's The Steps is popular.
Review of advance copy
Gemma has a secret. She can see ghosts. One of them is Jimmy, a British fifteen-year-old whom she's known since a child. Now that they're the same age, a ghostly friendship turns into much more. But how can someone have a happily ever after with a ghost?
What worked: Sweet paranormal tale where a teen's feelings for a ghost she's known since a child become much more. No one believes Gemma when she says she can see the ghosts in the nearby cemetery, which call themselves the 'Ethereals'. She learned this the hard way when she confided in a former friend, Lexy, who goes out of her way to ridicule and make Gemma's life miserable.
The relationship between Gemma and new friend Mae is one that gives hope to Gemma, especially with Lexy and her new gang of friends' constant bullying. Mae stands up to Lexy and even helps Gemma in a way to get back at Lexy.
The relationship between Gemma and Jimmy grows from close friends to much more. Gemma knows that there can't be a future for them. The conflict and angst are very real. Plus, add to that the constant bullying from Lexy and her group. The one thing that gave Gemma some solace had to be going to the cemetery and reading to the ghosts.
This novel is perfect for middle schoolers. The sweet hint of a forbidden romance, set with paranormal and quirky characters, is engaging. I had an issue with the voice of Gemma, who sometimes felt younger than fifteen. I did like the glimpses into the past life of Jimmy and the interactions between the Ethereals. Three of them shared the same fate.
One of the ghosts, Trip, is hilarious with how he gets 'high' by touching power lines. The ghosts do have a plan to use Gemma to help them finally leave the cemetery to go to the Otherside. A plan she's hesitant about.
The ending did seem a bit abrupt in resolving the question of what becomes of those ghosts that do disappear. But saying all that, I do think the ending opens itself up to a following novel on the future fate of Gemma and Jimmy.
Light, fast-paced paranormal complete with a cast of quirky ghosts and the young girl who not only can see them but plays a part in their future. All the time she wrestles with her own feelings for a ghost.
Original post:https://yabookscentral.com/ghosted/
What worked: Sweet paranormal tale where a teen's feelings for a ghost she's known since a child become much more. No one believes Gemma when she says she can see the ghosts in the nearby cemetery, which call themselves the 'Ethereals'. She learned this the hard way when she confided in a former friend, Lexy, who goes out of her way to ridicule and make Gemma's life miserable.
The relationship between Gemma and new friend Mae is one that gives hope to Gemma, especially with Lexy and her new gang of friends' constant bullying. Mae stands up to Lexy and even helps Gemma in a way to get back at Lexy.
The relationship between Gemma and Jimmy grows from close friends to much more. Gemma knows that there can't be a future for them. The conflict and angst are very real. Plus, add to that the constant bullying from Lexy and her group. The one thing that gave Gemma some solace had to be going to the cemetery and reading to the ghosts.
This novel is perfect for middle schoolers. The sweet hint of a forbidden romance, set with paranormal and quirky characters, is engaging. I had an issue with the voice of Gemma, who sometimes felt younger than fifteen. I did like the glimpses into the past life of Jimmy and the interactions between the Ethereals. Three of them shared the same fate.
One of the ghosts, Trip, is hilarious with how he gets 'high' by touching power lines. The ghosts do have a plan to use Gemma to help them finally leave the cemetery to go to the Otherside. A plan she's hesitant about.
The ending did seem a bit abrupt in resolving the question of what becomes of those ghosts that do disappear. But saying all that, I do think the ending opens itself up to a following novel on the future fate of Gemma and Jimmy.
Light, fast-paced paranormal complete with a cast of quirky ghosts and the young girl who not only can see them but plays a part in their future. All the time she wrestles with her own feelings for a ghost.
Original post:https://yabookscentral.com/ghosted/
July 7, 2026
4 stars
~
Ghosted by Wendelin Van Draanen is a YA paranormal romance following a Seer and a ghost. Gemma has been able to see ghosts since she was a child. Her time at the graveyard means she has grown surrounded by ghosts, but things change when she enters high school. She starts noticing little things she hadn’t noticed before in Jimmy, a ghost who’s forever been fifteen. Her emotions grow until she’s falling for him. But how can they be together, when she’s the only one who can see him? Were they always doomed to fail? Or do they have a shot at love?
I really enjoyed this YA romance! Both point of views were great and I enjoyed the character development. The characters encompass the essence of being teens. There is a balance between being childish and mature that I truly appreciate, because most books lean one way or the other. The paranormal aspects were very enjoyable without becoming overwhelming. The book was a little less than 300 pages, which was the perfect amount length. However, I would have liked to have had an epilogue and I was left wondering if her family and friends ever did believe that Gemma could see ghosts once they met Jimmy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
~
Ghosted by Wendelin Van Draanen is a YA paranormal romance following a Seer and a ghost. Gemma has been able to see ghosts since she was a child. Her time at the graveyard means she has grown surrounded by ghosts, but things change when she enters high school. She starts noticing little things she hadn’t noticed before in Jimmy, a ghost who’s forever been fifteen. Her emotions grow until she’s falling for him. But how can they be together, when she’s the only one who can see him? Were they always doomed to fail? Or do they have a shot at love?
I really enjoyed this YA romance! Both point of views were great and I enjoyed the character development. The characters encompass the essence of being teens. There is a balance between being childish and mature that I truly appreciate, because most books lean one way or the other. The paranormal aspects were very enjoyable without becoming overwhelming. The book was a little less than 300 pages, which was the perfect amount length. However, I would have liked to have had an epilogue and I was left wondering if her family and friends ever did believe that Gemma could see ghosts once they met Jimmy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2026
This was sweet. I think the writing was a bit off and she clearly gravitates towards younger characters, so this was a weird mix of childhood while being in high school and it didn’t always work. I think Gemma and Jimmy should’ve been sixteen and the writing could’ve been a tad more mature, but I did tear up and the ending made me happy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Wendelin Van Draanen, the master storyteller, has beautifully woven together a multi-layered, intricate masterpiece with her latest novel, GHOSTED. You don’t have to believe in ghosts to be swept away and spellbound by the intriguing storyline and complicated relationships that unfold throughout the pages of the book.
Told in alternating points of view, Jimmy, a Brit Boy, whose spirit is trapped in a graveyard for over a century, tells the story of his miserable, short-lived life on earth, the ghostly world he can’t escape in the St. Agnes cemetery, and the hope he discovers when he first meets eight-year-old Gemma.
Gemma sees and hears the spirits of Jimmy and the four other Ethereals when she climbs the wall of the graveyard and becomes entangled in the world of five spirits living there and longing to be set free. For seven years she visits the cemetery, interacts with the ghosts, and reads the Princess Bride to them. She finds peace, solace, friendship, and love in this place. She must also live in the real world where she feels alone, mistreated by her evil nemesis, and misunderstood by most humans.
“For the first time in my life, I’d said the Three Little Words to a boy. I’d MEANT them, too, but where had it gotten me? Ghosted.”
Don’t miss this moving, heartrending story of the healing power of love, friendship, music, and family...and the gift of second chances when it is released in October, 2026. It is already a Junior Library Guild Golden Ticket selection.
Told in alternating points of view, Jimmy, a Brit Boy, whose spirit is trapped in a graveyard for over a century, tells the story of his miserable, short-lived life on earth, the ghostly world he can’t escape in the St. Agnes cemetery, and the hope he discovers when he first meets eight-year-old Gemma.
Gemma sees and hears the spirits of Jimmy and the four other Ethereals when she climbs the wall of the graveyard and becomes entangled in the world of five spirits living there and longing to be set free. For seven years she visits the cemetery, interacts with the ghosts, and reads the Princess Bride to them. She finds peace, solace, friendship, and love in this place. She must also live in the real world where she feels alone, mistreated by her evil nemesis, and misunderstood by most humans.
“For the first time in my life, I’d said the Three Little Words to a boy. I’d MEANT them, too, but where had it gotten me? Ghosted.”
Don’t miss this moving, heartrending story of the healing power of love, friendship, music, and family...and the gift of second chances when it is released in October, 2026. It is already a Junior Library Guild Golden Ticket selection.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ghosted is a touching paranormal romance about a teenage girl who unexpectedly falls in love with the ghost of a teenage boy. What begins as a strange encounter slowly turns into a heartfelt friendship as they spend more time together, sharing stories, secrets,dreams and dealing with school friends who make assumptions that become hurtful.
One of the best parts of the book is how naturally their friendship develops into love even with the meddling other ghost who share the graveyard. Their relationship isn't rushed, making it feel genuine and emotional. The ghost isn't just mysterious—he's kind, funny, and caring, while the main character grows stronger and more confident as she learns to trust herself.
The story blends romance, mystery, and supernatural elements in a way that keeps readers interested from beginning to end. It also explores themes of peer relations, frienships, and hope. It is much more than just a ghost story.
Overall, Ghosted is a sweet and emotional novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal romance and coming-of-age stories. I would give this book 5 stars for its lovable characters, emotional depth, and unforgettable coming of age love story.
One of the best parts of the book is how naturally their friendship develops into love even with the meddling other ghost who share the graveyard. Their relationship isn't rushed, making it feel genuine and emotional. The ghost isn't just mysterious—he's kind, funny, and caring, while the main character grows stronger and more confident as she learns to trust herself.
The story blends romance, mystery, and supernatural elements in a way that keeps readers interested from beginning to end. It also explores themes of peer relations, frienships, and hope. It is much more than just a ghost story.
Overall, Ghosted is a sweet and emotional novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal romance and coming-of-age stories. I would give this book 5 stars for its lovable characters, emotional depth, and unforgettable coming of age love story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A new book by Wendelin Van Draanen is always a must-read, meaning drop everything and sit down and read it immediately.
Which is what I did when the ARC of "Ghosted" arrived in the mail.
I finished it the same evening.
Van Draanen's first foray into magical realism/fantasy, this book brings back memories of "Flipped", which is a very good thing. The story is told in alternating chapters narrated by Gemma, the girl who is very much alive, and Jimmy, a ghost, British, an orphan, and a "street rat" who stowed away on a ship that brought him across the ocean to New England years before. Van Draanen begins with one of her classic, brief attention-grabbing introductions (see all 18 Sammy Keyes books): "Never fall in love with a ghost", Gemma implores us. Gemma has been visiting and reading to five ghosts called "The Ethereals" in the local graveyard since she was five. One of them is Jimmy,
"Ghosted" has everything I love about Wendelin Van Draanen's books:
The quality of her storytelling and especially her characters. I loved Trip, the 60's hippie ghost who enjoys getting "high" in the electric wires above the cemetery :-) Gemma's voice is spot on for a fifteen-year-old. How does Wendelin always get kids so right?
The satisfying storyline in which Gemma gets back at her bully, who is spreading rumors about her being part of a satanic cult.
The deeply satisfying ending.
Thanks to Holiday House for sending the ARC!
Which is what I did when the ARC of "Ghosted" arrived in the mail.
I finished it the same evening.
Van Draanen's first foray into magical realism/fantasy, this book brings back memories of "Flipped", which is a very good thing. The story is told in alternating chapters narrated by Gemma, the girl who is very much alive, and Jimmy, a ghost, British, an orphan, and a "street rat" who stowed away on a ship that brought him across the ocean to New England years before. Van Draanen begins with one of her classic, brief attention-grabbing introductions (see all 18 Sammy Keyes books): "Never fall in love with a ghost", Gemma implores us. Gemma has been visiting and reading to five ghosts called "The Ethereals" in the local graveyard since she was five. One of them is Jimmy,
"Ghosted" has everything I love about Wendelin Van Draanen's books:
The quality of her storytelling and especially her characters. I loved Trip, the 60's hippie ghost who enjoys getting "high" in the electric wires above the cemetery :-) Gemma's voice is spot on for a fifteen-year-old. How does Wendelin always get kids so right?
The satisfying storyline in which Gemma gets back at her bully, who is spreading rumors about her being part of a satanic cult.
The deeply satisfying ending.
Thanks to Holiday House for sending the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Goodness, I really enjoyed reading this very fun and often deeply moving book! Told using the same format and with the same spirit as Ms. Van Draanen's most famous book Flipped, Ghosted is a story that grabbed me on the very first page and never let up. In addition to being about two engaging characters who are smart, funny, and realistic, Ghosted features some of my favorite story elements ever - ghosts, people with powers, Halloween, confronting someone who has been bullying in a cool and effective way but without sinking to their level, and experiencing what it feels like as two people realize they are falling in love, though they know they shouldn't. The great film "Before Sunrise" is about how thrilling and scary and soaring it can feel when you start developing feelings for someone else, especially someone who may have to leave soon - Ghosted captures that same romantic spirit, both lovely and bittersweet. I finished this book at 3 in the morning, it was THAT WONDERFUL!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a sweet YA paranormal romance between a seer and a ghost. It was a short read just under 300 pages and had dual POV perspectives. I really enjoyed the MC’s; Jimmy and Gemma were interesting characters and the connection/ real life dilemmas between ghost and seer were written well. Also, Mae was a great friend for Gemma she really needed somone to except her for who she is and Mae was so understanding and respectful. She truly was a lovely addition to the story. There were things that I feel could have been further devloped; I would have liked to have more details about their lives at the end and to have seen their relationship develop more throughout the story. As well as the family relationships especially between Gemma and her mother. I believe it is a standalone but it felt like it could have a sequel. Overall, a fun YA paranormal romance. Thank you Holiday books and Netgalley for a chance to read and review!
Review of advance copy
Really great Book I got to read it because my teacher was lucky enough to get sent the not published yet book and gave me the chance to read it . I love the story and it has great detail but I would recommend changing the cover of the book it look really A.I and it looks like it didn’t much time spent on it but other than the cover I love the book. When I read get distracted super easily but this book truly did not do that I loved how the book started and how the children even found the graveyard all because a bird was stealing there treasures it’s such a good hook and I’m just so glad I got early access to such a wonderful book . Truly well done
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Honestly, this is just about the sweetest love story ever.
The vibe of this book is basically FLIPPED meets TWILIGHT, in that it's a he-said/she-said, dual POV, first love romance, and it's also an "impossible love" YA romantasy.
The vibe of this book is basically FLIPPED meets TWILIGHT, in that it's a he-said/she-said, dual POV, first love romance, and it's also an "impossible love" YA romantasy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews