Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody . . . and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school. But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme is threatened. So when Tim asks her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, Cass reluctantly agrees. As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance. . . .

Megan Crewe's profile page

MEGAN CREWElives in Toronto, Canada, where she tutors children and teens with special needs. She has yet to make friends with a ghost, though she welcomes the opportunity.Give Up the Ghost is her first novel.

“Crewe's first effort will make readers wonder what else she's got up her sleeve.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This coming-of-age novel avoids unrealistically neat moments of closure--it will make readers hurt, and maybe even believe.” —Publishers Weekly

“A supernatural twist on the ‘Mean Girls' plot provides page-turning action. . . . Mysterious plot elements and the budding relationship between Cass and the VP will quickly engage reluctant readers.” —School Library Journal

“A school-dynamics story with a great original hook.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Solid Paranormal YA

by K.A. Wiggins

This was a really solid paranormal YA entry.

Ghosts, in the non-scary sense, not shifters etc., and the romance is very believable teen stuff; light, awkward attraction that doesn't really go too far too fast and involves believable interactions. I found the MC's voice a little rough at the start, but came to appreciate how prickly and challenging she was.

It covers some tough territory, with family deaths, bullying, adults not coping well, secrets and backstabbing, substance abuse and suicidal depression, but feels clever, sarcastic and ultimately has some real heart to it, instead of just being bleak, grim, or miserable. The slow, tentative change arcs were unusually authentic; this plot felt like it reflects life better than most, but since it doesn't follow genre conventions and rigid plot structure so completely, it takes a little more work from the reader to appreciate.

Not just throwaway entertainment, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. Great quality; no issues with the editing or proofreading at all, which is refreshing. Bonus points for Canadian author! Will certainly look up her other books.