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Forever Home
Willow’s nomadic childhood takes a surprising turn as her military parents bring her to the historic Hadleigh House, where her chances of finding her permanent home aren’t looking good when she meets some unexpected occupants—GHOSTS!
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE (A HAUNTED) HOME.
Willow has never had a place she can call home. With two parents in the military and a nomadic childhood, finding a place to make her own has become a total pipe dream. And when the family arrives at their latest stop—the historic Hadleigh House—Willow encounters something that doesn’t help her chances of staying put…GHOSTS!
Hadleigh House’s spectral occupants have been scaring off would-be residents for decades, and they intend to keep the house to themselves. But Willow’s not about to let some nagging spirits force her to move for the millionth time. It’s just a matter of convincing Willow’s parents that this old house is the one for them—ghosts and all...
Acclaimed cartoonist Jenna Ayoub (Adventure Time) presents a heartfelt graphic novel about discovering new friends and new happiness in the place you least expect it.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE (A HAUNTED) HOME.
Willow has never had a place she can call home. With two parents in the military and a nomadic childhood, finding a place to make her own has become a total pipe dream. And when the family arrives at their latest stop—the historic Hadleigh House—Willow encounters something that doesn’t help her chances of staying put…GHOSTS!
Hadleigh House’s spectral occupants have been scaring off would-be residents for decades, and they intend to keep the house to themselves. But Willow’s not about to let some nagging spirits force her to move for the millionth time. It’s just a matter of convincing Willow’s parents that this old house is the one for them—ghosts and all...
Acclaimed cartoonist Jenna Ayoub (Adventure Time) presents a heartfelt graphic novel about discovering new friends and new happiness in the place you least expect it.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2021
9 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
July 3, 2025
I want to hug all the characters! The ghosts, the humans and the ghost cat and the real dog.
I love the eighteen year old guy ghost who's an avid reader. I love the fact that he loves romance 😅 and he's trying to hide it. And he's failing at that and that's just too darn cute.
The story tells about a kid whose family had to move frequently due to the father's frequent postings from place to place, even countries to countries. And so our main character is so fed up of moving. She has got no problem in finally settling in a house which is haunted. And the best part? She's the only one who sees them and can hear them.
The parents are quite awesome too. You will know why when you reach the second half.
The ghosts are being the perfect ghosts. They did their best to haunt. But things turned out differently and everything is better all over again.
I love, love, love this graphic novel. The artstyle is so soft and cute.
I love the eighteen year old guy ghost who's an avid reader. I love the fact that he loves romance 😅 and he's trying to hide it. And he's failing at that and that's just too darn cute.
The story tells about a kid whose family had to move frequently due to the father's frequent postings from place to place, even countries to countries. And so our main character is so fed up of moving. She has got no problem in finally settling in a house which is haunted. And the best part? She's the only one who sees them and can hear them.
The parents are quite awesome too. You will know why when you reach the second half.
The ghosts are being the perfect ghosts. They did their best to haunt. But things turned out differently and everything is better all over again.
I love, love, love this graphic novel. The artstyle is so soft and cute.
March 10, 2022
A haunted house graphic novel for kids. Willow is a military brat, never having put down roots for long. So when her parents finally buy a house, she's determined to never move again even if the house is haunted. The ghosts there consistently try to scare people away from their home so Willow has to make peace with the ghosts while convincing her parents not to move. This is a delightful story written for younger audiences.
March 13, 2021
Willow, a military brat who has been dragged all over the world by her parents' service, has a chance to finally live in one place for more than two years, but the house her family has purchased is haunted by ghosts who want her gone. This is more Casper the Friendly Ghost than Amityville Horror, though, as Willow's adventures with the ghosts slowly and gently tend toward the warm and fuzzy even though one may be a serial killer and another is a great and ancient beast of dark unearthly power. A low-key but enjoyable haunted house story for kids.
Pet peeve: Unrelated to my rating, I was annoyed that the teaching guide included in the back refers constantly to page numbers in the story when the only page numbers in the entire book appear only on the pages of the teaching guide. Boneheaded editorial decision.
Pet peeve: Unrelated to my rating, I was annoyed that the teaching guide included in the back refers constantly to page numbers in the story when the only page numbers in the entire book appear only on the pages of the teaching guide. Boneheaded editorial decision.
May 8, 2021
Forever Home by Jenna Ayoub is a story about making friends and fighting for your home.
Willow’s parents promise that Hadleigh House will be their last house. Her parents are in the military, so Willow has moved around her whole life. When someone asks “where are you from?” she doesn’t know how to answer. But, Hadleigh House has some spiritual guests who want Willow’s family out. Willow has to convince her parents to stay!
This was a cute read. I haven’t read any stories that tackle the feelings of moving around all the time. This book did a phenomenal job of sharing Willow’s sadness and desperation to stay in one place. The characters each had their own story to share that made them lovable. Willow’s parents just need to be convinced the ghosts are lovable, too.
Willow’s parents promise that Hadleigh House will be their last house. Her parents are in the military, so Willow has moved around her whole life. When someone asks “where are you from?” she doesn’t know how to answer. But, Hadleigh House has some spiritual guests who want Willow’s family out. Willow has to convince her parents to stay!
This was a cute read. I haven’t read any stories that tackle the feelings of moving around all the time. This book did a phenomenal job of sharing Willow’s sadness and desperation to stay in one place. The characters each had their own story to share that made them lovable. Willow’s parents just need to be convinced the ghosts are lovable, too.
February 19, 2021
This is a lighthearted look at ghosts, and how one wants a home to stay in.
Willow and her parents have been moving every two years, because that's what you do when you are in the military, but apparently they are ready to settle down, and what better place then the cheap house that no one else wants, that unbeknownst to them if full of ghosts
A cute story about annoying ghosts, sad ghosts and ghosts that shouldn't be there. They want the house to themselves, and so does Willow.
Cute middle grade level graphic novel.
Willow and her parents have been moving every two years, because that's what you do when you are in the military, but apparently they are ready to settle down, and what better place then the cheap house that no one else wants, that unbeknownst to them if full of ghosts
A cute story about annoying ghosts, sad ghosts and ghosts that shouldn't be there. They want the house to themselves, and so does Willow.
Cute middle grade level graphic novel.
August 20, 2022
Oh my god. The comedic timing in this was spot on. I laughed so many times, especially over Lady and the cat. Everyone was SO GOOD that I honestly couldn't tell you who my favorite character was. I loved this so much!!
July 25, 2021
This sweet, spooky tale will win your heart and make you too wish for your forever home!
December 26, 2021
I love ghost stories, and this one takes a wonderfully unexpected turn. 👻
June 15, 2022
Jakie to było cudowne 💕
July 21, 2021
4.5 stars.
A little light on the plot, maybe, but it covers what it needs to, I guess.
I think I’m just disappointed we didn’t find out more about Lady or the ghost cat.
The illustrations are adorable and expressive, and the relationships and interactions between Willow and her new housemates are just as cute! I loved reading this, and kept re-reading parts or flipping back to earlier pages - sometimes stopping just to process how happy a scene made me. <3
I can definitely see re-reading this one day.
A little light on the plot, maybe, but it covers what it needs to, I guess.
I think I’m just disappointed we didn’t find out more about Lady or the ghost cat.
The illustrations are adorable and expressive, and the relationships and interactions between Willow and her new housemates are just as cute! I loved reading this, and kept re-reading parts or flipping back to earlier pages - sometimes stopping just to process how happy a scene made me. <3
I can definitely see re-reading this one day.
September 8, 2022
Så super cute! Skønne illustrationer, et fantastisk persongalleri og en virkelig wholesome historie. Denne kommer jeg uden tvivl til at vende tilbage til igen og igen.
March 3, 2022
4.75 Stars
This was just... Ridiculously SWEET! A family moves into a historic home, intending for it to be their forever home. But, it's already inhabited... Their daughter manages to befriend the ghosts determined to scare her parents into moving right back out!
So much to love! Awesome rep: interracial couple, presumably biracial child, child appears to have birthmark on cheek. The writing is good. Decent pacing. The art is simplistic, but I definitely enjoyed the expressions and body language. Most of all I enjoy the premise and heart. We also see great parenting.
Ideally this is for young audiences, middle grade or younger. Or for old ladies like me who want a cozy pick-me-up😽
Found on Hoopla!
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
This was just... Ridiculously SWEET! A family moves into a historic home, intending for it to be their forever home. But, it's already inhabited... Their daughter manages to befriend the ghosts determined to scare her parents into moving right back out!
So much to love! Awesome rep: interracial couple, presumably biracial child, child appears to have birthmark on cheek. The writing is good. Decent pacing. The art is simplistic, but I definitely enjoyed the expressions and body language. Most of all I enjoy the premise and heart. We also see great parenting.
Ideally this is for young audiences, middle grade or younger. Or for old ladies like me who want a cozy pick-me-up😽
Found on Hoopla!
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
June 7, 2022
Amazing book. Willow has moved several times. They found a house that her parents promised that they wouldn’t move no more and this was there house. The hadeligh house. 2 mean ghost at first. 1 crybaby foghorn girl btw she’s old not a child. Willow how’s about the ghosts but her parent don’t. They feel weird stuff all the time. Will the parents keep there promise or will they not and move again?
May 7, 2021
Forever Home by Jenna Ayoub is a heartfelt graphic novel about discovering new friends and new happiness in the place you least expect it.
Willow has never had a place she can call home. With two parents in the military and a nomadic childhood, finding a place to make her own has become a total pipe dream. When the family arrives at their latest stop, the historic Hadleigh House, they promise it will be the last.
Hadleigh House has some spectral occupants, and they have been scaring off would-be residents for decades as they intend to keep the house to themselves. But Willow’s not about to let some nagging spirits force her to move for the millionth time. It’s just a matter of convincing Willow’s parents that this old house is the one for them, ghosts included.
This story was super cute and endearing. I had not read many, if any, graphic novels that talk about the experience of moving around a lot, and I feel that this book handled the topic really well. Willow tries everything possible to be able to stay put, and you can’t help but root for her to finally have her forever home.
Every single character has their story, and they are all lovable and endearing in their own way, including the evil cat that only wants world domination. Some people may be freaked out about the possibility of living with ghosts, but not Willow. And the art style makes them lighter and not-so-scary.
Willow has never had a place she can call home. With two parents in the military and a nomadic childhood, finding a place to make her own has become a total pipe dream. When the family arrives at their latest stop, the historic Hadleigh House, they promise it will be the last.
Hadleigh House has some spectral occupants, and they have been scaring off would-be residents for decades as they intend to keep the house to themselves. But Willow’s not about to let some nagging spirits force her to move for the millionth time. It’s just a matter of convincing Willow’s parents that this old house is the one for them, ghosts included.
This story was super cute and endearing. I had not read many, if any, graphic novels that talk about the experience of moving around a lot, and I feel that this book handled the topic really well. Willow tries everything possible to be able to stay put, and you can’t help but root for her to finally have her forever home.
Every single character has their story, and they are all lovable and endearing in their own way, including the evil cat that only wants world domination. Some people may be freaked out about the possibility of living with ghosts, but not Willow. And the art style makes them lighter and not-so-scary.
April 10, 2021
Absolutely adorable story about a haunted house and the little girl fighting to ensure it’s her forever home. The art style is super cute and clean. I love comics with a spooky/supernatural theme, and this one is so well done. Every character was endearing (though Thomas is most precious and should be protected at all costs). The humor was sprinkled throughout and wasn’t too “kiddy” or immature; I chortled at the expressions of the evil cat numerous times.
I’ve been hoping to find a good haunted house story after I read Ghosted in LA and felt really let down...this surpasses that completely. It’s got a heartfelt story that is perfect for all ages. I’ll definitely be reading this again soon.
I’ve been hoping to find a good haunted house story after I read Ghosted in LA and felt really let down...this surpasses that completely. It’s got a heartfelt story that is perfect for all ages. I’ll definitely be reading this again soon.
February 18, 2021
From cartoonist Jenna Ayoub, who has illustrated comics under Cartoon Network programs such as Adventure Time and The Amazing World of Gumball, Forever Home centers on Willow, the daughter of two militants. Due to their profession, the family has been moving from one home to the next, as Willow dreams of just staying put. When the family arrives at their latest stop, the historic Hadleigh House, Willow encounters a bunch of ghosts who have been scaring off would-be homebuyers for decades, and they intend to keep the house to themselves.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
January 17, 2022
Ghosts are permanent residents of Willow's new house...but they're not about to drive her away! This is a funny, not-too-spooky adventure ideal for upper elementary readers.
May 22, 2021
I loved this!! It’s all about finding family/friends in unexpected places. As well as creating a home.
Willow (or Sarge as her parents call her) has been moved around every 2 years when her parents, who are in the military, get a new assignment. When asked where she is from, she doesn’t have an answer. She was born in a different place then her family and she’s never had an actual home. So when they move into Hadleigh House, there is nothing that is gonna make her move. Not even a house full of ghosts.
This is an incredibly sweet found family graphic novel. I loved the characters!! It makes me happy that some child is going to see the parents and relate to having a family that is multiple ethnicities. Maybe that’s a common thing in middle grade graphic novels and I just haven’t seen it much. Something simple like that always puts a smile on my face.
Willow (or Sarge as her parents call her) has been moved around every 2 years when her parents, who are in the military, get a new assignment. When asked where she is from, she doesn’t have an answer. She was born in a different place then her family and she’s never had an actual home. So when they move into Hadleigh House, there is nothing that is gonna make her move. Not even a house full of ghosts.
This is an incredibly sweet found family graphic novel. I loved the characters!! It makes me happy that some child is going to see the parents and relate to having a family that is multiple ethnicities. Maybe that’s a common thing in middle grade graphic novels and I just haven’t seen it much. Something simple like that always puts a smile on my face.
August 30, 2021
Interesting story and a fresh new take on ghosts and ghosts haunting! Illustrations are super great. I really enjoyed reading this, but the "Hoo-hoo"ing was annoying to keep reading. I felt like that was overdone. Otherwise it was great! There's even discussion questions at the end of the book which is great for a classroom or a book club.
May 24, 2020
Loved this!
May 20, 2021
soooo cute
August 29, 2023
adorable art, and i laughed out loud a few times. more please!
November 11, 2020
So adorable! I loved this
March 26, 2021
4.5⭐️
This was so precious and heartwarming! I was smiling throughout the entire book
This was so precious and heartwarming! I was smiling throughout the entire book
June 4, 2021
Cute, reminded me of Sheets, but with even more character development.
June 29, 2021
Such a cute book! Perfect for upper elementary and middle school. Excellent artwork and not a complicated plot at all but still gives us great characters and situations to root for.
December 15, 2021
Adorable and enchanting.
May 22, 2020
This is a really cute all ages comic that really lends itself more to a early teen sensibility. The story is about Willow "an army brat" whose parents might finally settle down into an old house that is haunted by three spirits : spinster sisters, a World War 1 vet, and a young woman who mourns past loves. That last spirit really doesn't have much of a personality or backstory like the others. There a flashback of the sisters when they lived in the house as its first owners.
If you read Lumberjanes, then you're familiar with Ayoub's art style of round characters, faces with dots for eyes most of the time, and body language to express mood and expression. At first I was bothered by empty backgrounds that were just gradients, but I guess that was just part of the house not being furnished yet. There's no much in the background in the later half of the book.
The story is sweet and episodic in the way of a collection of individual comic stories, so it did feel a little repetitive. It's a cute story I really liked for the characters and gentle humor.
If you read Lumberjanes, then you're familiar with Ayoub's art style of round characters, faces with dots for eyes most of the time, and body language to express mood and expression. At first I was bothered by empty backgrounds that were just gradients, but I guess that was just part of the house not being furnished yet. There's no much in the background in the later half of the book.
The story is sweet and episodic in the way of a collection of individual comic stories, so it did feel a little repetitive. It's a cute story I really liked for the characters and gentle humor.
October 28, 2021
With Willow’s parents both in the army, she’s spent her life moving every couple of years. But finally, her parents have said this is the last move when they move into Hadleigh House. Hadleigh House with its chill spots, strange sounds like wailing, and occasional blood dripping down the walls. Oh, did the realtor not mention the house is haunted? Willow finds this out quickly, as she is able to see the various ghosts who call Hadleigh House home too, including the Hadleigh sisters. Will she be able to convince the ghosts, especially the sisters, to let her and her family stay, or will they scare everyone out to keep it all for their own?
I barely knew what to expect, but when it opened with ghost hunters trying to get evidence of the haunting of Hadleigh House, I thought this was going to edge towards the side of a scary book (despite the colorful and rather bright cover). Boy was that wrong! This book is light, and fun, and Willow (also called Sarge by her parents) is not only not afraid of the ghosts in her new house, but is determined to get them to let her and her family stay.
First off there are the Hadleigh sisters, Viola and Gladys, who are the original inhabitants of the house. And they don’t want to share it with anyone else! Then there’s Thomas, a young man in an army uniform whose presence there is a bit unusual, and of course Lady roams the halls wailing at her lost fiancés. If Willow is to be able to truly make this house a home for her and her family, she will have to convince all the ghosts to let them stay instead of trying to scare them away.
Along the way, we learn more about each of the ghosts and Willow’s desire to have a forever home at last. There are also quite a few surprises, and it makes for quite an enjoyable read as things play out. Willow’s determination and persistence, not to mention her positive attitude, make her a fun and relatable character, while the ghosts different personalities make for some very fun and amusing situations. This is a good not-scary ghost story, perfect for Halloween, or even just any time of year for the humor and feel-good nature of it.
I barely knew what to expect, but when it opened with ghost hunters trying to get evidence of the haunting of Hadleigh House, I thought this was going to edge towards the side of a scary book (despite the colorful and rather bright cover). Boy was that wrong! This book is light, and fun, and Willow (also called Sarge by her parents) is not only not afraid of the ghosts in her new house, but is determined to get them to let her and her family stay.
First off there are the Hadleigh sisters, Viola and Gladys, who are the original inhabitants of the house. And they don’t want to share it with anyone else! Then there’s Thomas, a young man in an army uniform whose presence there is a bit unusual, and of course Lady roams the halls wailing at her lost fiancés. If Willow is to be able to truly make this house a home for her and her family, she will have to convince all the ghosts to let them stay instead of trying to scare them away.
Along the way, we learn more about each of the ghosts and Willow’s desire to have a forever home at last. There are also quite a few surprises, and it makes for quite an enjoyable read as things play out. Willow’s determination and persistence, not to mention her positive attitude, make her a fun and relatable character, while the ghosts different personalities make for some very fun and amusing situations. This is a good not-scary ghost story, perfect for Halloween, or even just any time of year for the humor and feel-good nature of it.
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March 12, 2025Willow has never had a place she could call home, with her two parents in the military and a nomadic childhood finding a place she could call her own felt like a total pipe dream. When they arrive at their latest stop. The historic Hadleigh House, Willow encounter's something that doesn't help her chances of staying put. Ghosts.
Hadleigh House has been scaring off would be residents for decades, and they intend to keep the house to themselves. Willow is not about to let some nagging spirits force her and her family to move for the millionth time. It's just matter of convincing Willow's parents that this old house is the one for them, ghosts and all.
This story was so cute, especially the ghosts I kind of loved them. I love how the ghosts were understanding at the end. The parents were also very cute, especially when she got the ghosts to pick out the paint colour for their home, since it's the ghost house technically. I think cute comics have become my thing now, I just can't get enough of them. I loved this take on ghosts and how different they are from the actual scary ghosts that some books come up with. This comic is perfect for kids that are always moving around and their parents are having trouble staying in one spot. Some comic books are cute and I think they are worth reading. Happy Reading!!!!!
Hadleigh House has been scaring off would be residents for decades, and they intend to keep the house to themselves. Willow is not about to let some nagging spirits force her and her family to move for the millionth time. It's just matter of convincing Willow's parents that this old house is the one for them, ghosts and all.
This story was so cute, especially the ghosts I kind of loved them. I love how the ghosts were understanding at the end. The parents were also very cute, especially when she got the ghosts to pick out the paint colour for their home, since it's the ghost house technically. I think cute comics have become my thing now, I just can't get enough of them. I loved this take on ghosts and how different they are from the actual scary ghosts that some books come up with. This comic is perfect for kids that are always moving around and their parents are having trouble staying in one spot. Some comic books are cute and I think they are worth reading. Happy Reading!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews