Anya's Ghost

Bibliographic Information: Brosgol, V. (2011). Anya’s ghost. New York: First Second. ISBN: 978-1-59643-713-5

Plot Summary: Anya is the daughter of a single, overbearing, Russian immigrant mother who uses child support to pay for Anya’s attendance at a not-so-prestigious private school, but Anya doesn’t appreciate this, or her culture, especially the greasy beef cutlets, or “kotletli”, that her rotund mother and little brother seem to enjoy so much. Anya prefers salads and nonfat yogurt, cigarettes, and has successfully suppressed her accent as a means to assimilate to American life. Though she has stripped off her nerdy immigrant identity for a fresher, more stylistic appearance, she still pines for the unattainable football star, boyfriend to none other than the popular blonde. After an argument with her only friend, Anya storms off into the woods where she falls into a well and discovers the ghost of girl who saves Anya from a similar fate. When she is finally rescued after two days, the ghost, Emily, follows her, and they soon become friends. Anya promises to avenge Emily’s murder and give the girl a proper burial, until Anya finds out about a dark secret. Now Anya not only has to deal with avoiding gym class and going to parties,  but she has to avoid a similar fate as the ghost who haunts her.

Critical Evaluation: Although Brosgol’s debut graphic novel falls into the supernatural realm, Anya’s Ghost is a contemporary and rather realistic story of a teenage girl struggling with her identity.  Anya’s attempt to fit in with her peers by dressing like them and even working fervently to lose her Russian accent brings conformity to the forefront—a theme that will resonate with teens. Questions of love and especially the dangers of infatuation are raised by the truth behind Emily’s death.

The illustrations are boldly inked in grayscale and evoke an ethereal, B-movie quality. Readers will gain insight into the value of culture, and especially friendship. “Hanging with the right crowd,” is a theme emphasized as Anya constantly misconstrues the character of her peers—especially Emily and her crush. Anya eventually learns to value the other Russian immigrant student, Dima, who is ostracized for his nerdy, immigrant ways, but proves a useful resource in times of need. Teens will love the supernatural elements infused with humor and witty dialogue.

Reader’s Annotation: Anya’s new best friend helps her with fashion, cheating on tests, and pursuing her love interest, but her friend is also a ghost that ends up haunting her. Anya learns the hard way what it means to be friends forever.

Author Information: Gale’s Contemporary Authors Online states that “Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, in the former Soviet Union, and is based in Portland, Oregon. When she was five years old, she moved to the United States. Brosgol is an illustrator at Laika Entertainment House. Her work has been included in anthologies released by Flight Comics, and she wrote a Web-based comic titled Return to Sender, which was active from 2002 to 2005. Her film Snow-bo won the Best Animated Film by a Northwestern Filmmaker from the Film Society of Portland and the "Podcast Darkly" award at the Channel Frederator Awards. Her first graphic novel, Anya's Ghost, was released in 2011.”

Genre: Fiction

Subjects: Friendship, immigrants, assimilation, ghosts

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Draw a well on poster paper, stand behind it, and call for help to the teens. Introduce Anya’s character and her struggle with fitting in.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to mild sexual content, depictions of the paranormal, and underage cigarette-use, this material may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: It's beautiful to look at, charming to read, and has won numerous honors.