So you read Jason Reynold’s popular book (or the companion titles) and loved it — now you’re on the hunt for books like Ghost? Welcome!
Recommending readalikes can be a tricky process, but I enjoy the process of finding similar threads running through even books that appear different on the surface. Today’s pick is Ghost by Jason Reynolds, a beloved middle grade book about a young track runner trying to outrun his past but finding community instead.
If you read the Goodreads reviews for this book, you’ll see why readers adored it. I remember giving it five stars myself when I read it in 2019.
For this list, I’ve chosen books featuring similar themes. You’ll meet Black boys exploring a new passion and trying to escape personal anger and family issues while leaning on their communities. If your kids are looking for books like Ghost by Jason Reynolds, these books are sure to steal the show.
8 Moving Books Like Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Here are 8 exceptional books like Ghost by Jason Reynolds:
Not an Easy Win
Published: February 28, 2023
I recently read this story about a kid whose father is incarcerated and who keeps getting into fights at school (which aren’t entirely his fault!) until he’s finally expelled. Lawrence starts playing chess at a rec center and learns how to channel his anger appropriately while connecting with other kids in situations like his. This was such a satisfying story with a protagonist you can root for.
Before the Ever After
Published: September 1, 2020
In this verse novel, ZJ’s dad is a former pro footballer with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). As his father’s health deteriorates, ZJ looks back on their favorite memories and tries to get through each day, not knowing whether it’ll be a good day for his dad or a bad one, he finds comfort in family, comfort, and community.
Crossover
Published: March 18, 2014
“With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. ’Cuz tonight I’m delivering,” raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood—he’s got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it’s all on the line.
Tight
Published: September 4, 2018
Bryan loves comics and hanging out with his mom — and even his big sister sometimes — with no drama. His dad has a temper and has been in jail for some misdemeanor. Now though, he’s on parole, and it seems like things may be looking up. But when a new boy his age, Mike, worms his way into Bryan’s family, it appears Bryan may have a new friend.
However, Mike is a bit of a daredevil and gets Bryan into skipping school and riding on top of trains. Mike is also jealous when Bryan befriends other people and tries to egg him into starting fights. Mike’s idea of manhood is not being “soft,” being ready to fight whenever. Still, it appears no one else can see anything wrong about Mike. Should Bryan keep his friendship? Should he absorb Mike’s idea of masculinity?
Dough Boys
Published: August 27, 2019
Rollie is getting more interested in music and his love for drumming and is less enthusiastic about working for a drug lord. Simp on the hand is working to rise in rank. He’s especially interested because he loves playing for Tez’s basketball team and hopes to play for the NBA in the future. Unfortunately, basketball is now connected with drug dealing. The disconnect between the boys’ desires eventually begins to wear on their friendship. This is a great pick for older kids (upper middle graders) who enjoyed Ghost.
Sunny | Lu | Patina
Published: November 27, 2018
And if you loved Ghost, you need this box set with all four books from the Track series! Ghost. Patina. Sunny. Lu. A fast but fiery group of kids from wildly different backgrounds, chosen to compete on an elite track team. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Discover each of their stories in this complete collection of Jason Reynolds’s explosive New York Times bestselling Track series.
There they are: 8 amazing books like Ghost by Jason Reynolds! Which of these picks have you read? Which readalikes would you recommend for this book?
More Readalike Picks
- Books like New Kid by Jerry Craft
- Readalikes for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Books like From the Desk of Zoe Washington
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