Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Ophie's Ghosts
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
The New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation makes her middle grade debut with a sweeping tale of the ghosts of our past that won't stay buried, starring an unforgettable girl named Ophie. Ophelia Harrison used to live in a small house in the Georgia countryside. But that was before the night in November 1922, and the cruel act that took her home and her father from her. Which was the same night that Ophie learned she can see ghosts. Now Ophie and her mother are living in Pittsburgh with relatives they barely know. In the hopes of earning enough money to get their own place, Mama has gotten Ophie a job as a maid in the same old manor house where she works. Daffodil Manor, like the wealthy Caruthers family who owns it, is haunted by memories and prejudices of the past--and, as Ophie discovers, ghosts as well. Ghosts who have their own loves and hatreds and desires, ghosts who have wronged others and ghosts who have themselves been wronged. And as Ophie forms a friendship with one spirit whose life ended suddenly and unjustly, she wonders if she might be able to help--even as she comes to realize that Daffodil Manor may hold more secrets than she bargained for.
LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
Suzze
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

It was February 2001. So, 23 years ago. I have moved 10 times in my life. I can draw a 13 mile circle and every house is within it.

Ophie‘s Ghosts. Middle grade. Her mother and she must move when white vigilantes burn down their house .

@tbaile34 @TheSpineView

review
cottagelantern
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
Pickpick

5 ⭐️s
this book knocked my socks off!! Ophie begins to see ghosts after a tragic event and goes to live in Pittsburgh with her mother, where she begins working as a maid at the haunted Daffodil Manor. the ending of this book blew my mind, and the mystery kept me up past my bedtime!! highly recommend. 🩵📚✨

review
MaggieCarr
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Mehso-so

Wow. Honestly, this could have been written for adults. Aside from the main character being a tween, it kept me guessing. My first instincts were that it would be a wonderful historical account for my daughter who hasn't read too many books that deal with racism and slavery. And while that is a theme the overarching ghosts & haunts, ghosts taking over living humans, and so forth was a bit scary in parts but my 11 year old ended up loving it more.

review
DebinHawaii
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Read for #Scarathlon & as part of #TitlesAndTunes (on hold for now) October #Blues theme. I enjoyed this middle grade historical fiction & ghost story. Ophie was a great character to root for & it was a good glimpse at life in 1920s Pittsburgh for a black widow & her preteen daughter.

There were 305 #ScarathlonWordSearch words + 20 points & 15 for using it in a photo challenge + 1 participation point so 3086 total for Team #SpookyGhostClub ⬇️

TheSpineView Great job! 13mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 13mo
See All 6 Comments
Read4life 🍁👻🎃 13mo
Catsandbooks 🙌🏼🦇🧡 13mo
Andrew65 Looks good, well done 🎃🎃🎃 13mo
49 likes2 stack adds6 comments
blurb
Ash.on.the.line
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

I was busy the past couple days so I didn‘t post so this is for the past few days of what I‘ve done! Got movies, shows, bucket list, and books! I have it all written down thank goodness to keep track! #scarathlon #BOOklovers

blurb
Ash.on.the.line
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Lots of readathons happening over the weekend and I‘m planning to get a chunk of these books done! library holds love to come in at once and I want to get through them! #scarathlon #BOOklovers

blurb
DebinHawaii
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

#ScarathlonPhotoChallenge

This book has been on my TBR for ages so I put it in my #Scarathlon TBR as well as made it my pick for #TitlesAndTunes October (#Blues ). Ophie can see spirits, so there‘s more than one #Ghost in it.

+6 points for Team #SpookyGhostClub 👻🖤👻

Clwojick 🙌 🙌 🙌 🙌 14mo
36 likes1 comment
blurb
DebinHawaii
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

I‘m behind on reading & reviews but I went down the rabbit hole of finding my #TitlesAndTunes October #Blues pick tonight.

Because I‘m joining in #Scarathlon & focusing on spooky season books & trying to pick books already in my TBR stack, I‘m going with the tagged book. It has a beautiful blue cover & is set in the 1920s Georgia & then Pittsburg. I then looked for a ghostly blues song to pair with it & Ghost Creepin‘ Blues turned up. It was ⬇️

DebinHawaii …recorded by “St. Louis Bessie” (Mae Smith) in 1927-28. It should add a spooky Halloween blues vibe to our playlist. 💙👻🤍 It is on Spotify but here‘s a link to YouTube: https://youtu.be/XtsNpoIKCxc (edited) 14mo
IndoorDame Loved that book! Perfect for October! 14mo
BarbaraBB Thanks! Great choices 😍 14mo
Cinfhen I love your level of commitment to all challenges 😘💙👻 14mo
42 likes4 comments
review
S3V3N
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Mehso-so

I started this back in October and just finished it yesterday. The story is good, but slow moving.

review
S3V3N
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Mehso-so

I started this back in October and finally finished it yesterday. It‘s a good read, just a little slow moving for me.

blurb
IndoorDame
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤📚👻 2y
48 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
ImperfectCJ
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

It's a tall order, writing a book about the ghosts of people who've died violent deaths, racism in the decades after Emancipation, classism, and child labor and making it all both interesting and age-appropriate for middle-graders, but Ireland does a decent job. The heavy topics sometimes feel a little glossed over, but the ghost story is engaging and seems a solid strategy for introducing some of these big real-world concepts to a young audience.

51 likes1 stack add
blurb
ImperfectCJ
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Enjoying a peaceful audiowalk with an ocean breeze; a brief respite in an otherwise hectic week. Then it's once more unto the breach (my 6th graders are reluctantly doing Shakespeare this unit... Midsummer, not Henry V, but my thoughts are apparently being influenced by the Bard generally).

cant_i'm_booked Beautiful! 🤩 3y
Texreader Gorgeous!! 3y
Megabooks Lovely!! 3y
60 likes3 comments
review
SW-T
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

A middle grade book that thoughtfully and carefully addresses some dark adult topics, such as racism, privilege, class, and death. Enjoyed Ophie‘s determination and resourcefulness. Loved how the houses and the ghosts were all portrayed as strong secondary characters. The time period and social norms of the day were an excellent backdrop for the ghosts Ophie met and engaged with while working at the manor.

review
Shievad
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
Pickpick

It always amazes me how some MG authors can write about difficult topics in an age appropriate way and educate children without being preachy or depressing. Themes covered in this book: grief, slavery, racism, colorism, child labor, having to grow up too fast due to tragedy impacting financial security.

blurb
TaraTLK
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

This middle grade managed to get me to like POV's from houses, which my book club knows I usually really hate. This tale of a girl who can see ghosts working with her mom in a house that has quite a few, deciding to help one ghost with the mystery of her death is just lovely.

review
katiekat311
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

I forgot to post that I read another #NewYearWhoDis from the list @DGRachel sent me! This one was a little bit slower paced than I expected but still so very good in every way. Can‘t wait to get a copy for my classroom! ❤️

DGRachel Yay! I‘m glad you enjoyed it! 3y
8 likes1 comment
blurb
mdemanatee
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Still working through my audiobook hoard. Loving this so far, but also the way I am sure I would have been obsessed with this when I was actually a MG reader.

14 likes1 stack add
blurb
IndoorDame
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Clwojick 💙💙💙 3y
48 likes1 comment
blurb
IndoorDame
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Soubhiville Yeah, perfect match! 3y
Clwojick Perfect !!! 3y
51 likes2 comments
review
IndoorDame
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Loved this! I missed reading this with the #mgbuddyread last year cause the timing of my library loan was off, but I‘m so glad I got back to it. Justina Ireland never disappoints! This does a perfect job of portraying racism in the time of segregation in a way that‘s accessible to MG readers & in a way that makes it easy to find connections to racism today. It‘s also a fabulous story and explains ghosts as compellingly as anything I‘ve ever read.

55 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
Sharpeipup
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

This morning‘s fog inspired my current read.

hannah-leeloo Foggy here too 🌫 it's pretty 3y
43 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
xicanti
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

This was an excellent way to spend a gloomy day. Justina Ireland never shies away from the terrible things her Black characters deal with in 1920s Pittsburgh, but there‘s also a lot of hope here as Ophie searches for ways to help the ghosts she encounters. I loved her and wanted so much on her behalf.

I also solved the mystery way ahead of her, but as per usual I‘m not sure whether it was obvious or I‘m just THAT GOOD at guessing.

blurb
xicanti
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

It‘s a middle grade breakfast on this dismal morning. Whenever I read MG, I imagine how I‘d feel about it if I were the target audience. Adult Me likes OPHIE‘S GHOSTS a lot as of page 80, but I think Kid Me would‘ve been totally glued to it.

IndoorDame I do the same thing. I think do I like it, would I have liked it as a kid, and would my students like it? 3y
xicanti @IndoorDame sometimes I find that MG is SO focused on its target audience that I can‘t enjoy it on my own account, but this one‘s good for any age group. 3y
IndoorDame @xicanti I love Justina Ireland. I haven‘t read her MG yet, but I have that one on hold. 3y
40 likes3 comments
blurb
xicanti
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Library haul! I‘m especially excited for the tagged book. I loved Justina Ireland‘s YA novels.

review
mrp27
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

#spookoween #mgbuddyread

🎃🎃🎃🎃 I really enjoyed this spooky historical mystery about a young girl who learns that she can see ghosts. There is much to be learned from this deftly crafted tale about what it means to be black in America in the 1920‘s.

TheSpineView Awesome! 🧡🎃🖤👻 3y
30 likes1 comment
review
Johanna414
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

While I didn't love it as much as I had anticipated, this was a very well written middle grade novel. There was sooooo much going on here- historical fiction, ghosts, murder mystery, genuine discussion of important social issues, and Justina Ireland wove it all together really well. There were some points where I felt it got a little slow, but it was worth pushing through.
#MGBuddyRead @megnews

review
BarbaraJean
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

This is a solid MG historical mystery set in Pittsburgh in the 1920s. I loved how the plot didn‘t take a back seat to the historical setting and related issues of racism and the Great Migration. Rather, those related issues are woven into the plot quite naturally. And the historical context was fascinating and made me want to read more about the time period. ⤵️ #MGBuddyRead

BarbaraJean While I found it a bit explain-y at times, and was a little frustrated at how long it took the MC to figure out certain things, those criticisms are more my own issues as an adult reading a book intended for younger readers—and I think it‘s a fantastic read for its intended audience. 3y
53 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Chrissyreadit I think I‘d it was told through one of the ghosts perspectives. Or all of the ghosts perspectives it would have been fascinating. 3y
megnews @Chrissyreadit I would have liked to hear it through Clara or Colin‘s eyes. 3y
sblbooks I like the way it was told, but it would have been interesting to hear from Carla's perspective too 3y
See All 14 Comments
ravenlee I agree with @sblbooks - Clara would be interesting, and it would clarify if she was malevolent (she was “plotting” early on) or truly unaware of what had happened to her. An interesting perspective might have been to extend the house POV and have it/them tell the whole story. Also, Mama or Cook would be intriguing. (edited) 3y
ravenlee I noticed we have kind of a running theme of mothers making decisions for their kids in our books, decisions that we have to question. I know Mama‘s insistence on Ophie working for Mrs. Carruthers is what sets the whole plot in motion, but it seems pretty questionable - especially when their whole savings disappears anyway. 3y
megnews @ravenlee the stories that house could tell! 3y
megnews @ravenlee I think with them just coming up from the South where many would still be sharecropping and having their children work the fields and only schooled when not needed to do that, it probably seemed natural to her mom to have Ophie work with her. My stomach was in knots when the money was stolen. (edited) 3y
BarbaraJean @megnews @sblbooks @ravenlee I agree, it would be really interesting to read it from Clara‘s perspective—even alternating between her story in the past and Ophie‘s in the present day. And I love the idea of the house as the narrator/POV! 3y
rubyslippersreads I‘d love to know what the house saw over the years, but Cook saw quite a bit too. I don‘t think Ophie‘s mother had much choice about her daughter working, and she might have thought Ophie would be safer working where her mother did. 3y
Johanna414 I think getting the Mother's perspective would have been interesting. There's this recurring theme in middle grade lit about the dead or absent parent, and I think we saw a lot of that here. Ophie's mother seemed distant and distracted the whole time, but maybe she saw more than we realized? 3y
megnews @Johanna414 I got that feeling too at the end. Maybe she is aware of the powers but has seen it turn out bad for other family members. And doesn‘t want that for Ophie. 3y
mrp27 I like the idea of the manor telling the story and some of the ghosts. 3y
JaclynW @rubyslippersreads Oooooh! The house idea would be kind of cool! Good idea. 3y
JaclynW Clara's perspective would have been interesting. 3y
10 likes14 comments
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Chrissyreadit Honestly this book broke my heart a lot. I was very satisfied with how Justina Ireland wrote the book. 3y
sblbooks The ending was satisfying, it was a great book from start to finish. 3y
megnews @Chrissyreadit @sblbooks I agree the ending was satisfying. I did wish we heard more of Colin‘s story. 3y
See All 20 Comments
Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks I do wish Colin had a story. And a life. 3y
ravenlee @Chrissyreadit @sblbooks I would have liked to know more of Colin and his brother. Though I‘m not sure I‘d be prepared for that story. I already loathed Mrs. Carruthers. 3y
ravenlee I loved how Ophie was able to free the ghosts - and how she decided not to exert herself over the horrid pair. 3y
sblbooks @ravenlee @Chrissyreadit @megnews Colin intrigues me. I would like for him to have his own novel. 3y
Butterfinger My only criticism is that there was nothing for her father. I wanted more. I wanted revenge or comeuppance like the Carruthers woman. 3y
megnews @ravenlee I did like that it wasn‘t just that Ophie could see the ghosts but that she had a part in helping them feel ok about moving on to the next world. 3y
megnews @Butterfinger sadly, it was the reality that people didn‘t have recourse against those types of acts. 3y
BarbaraJean For the most part, I liked the way the ending wrapped things up for the characters, especially how Ophie helped so many ghosts find resolution and pass on. I do wish we‘d been able to see Ophie and her mother get some justice over their stolen money, though. And I agree with @megnews @sblbooks @Chrissyreadit —would love a Colin novel!! 3y
Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger yes- I wish there had been some justice but I know that was part of what made the story- his last act saving his wife and daughter. 3y
Chrissyreadit @BarbaraJean it really bothered me that they lost the money too. 3y
rubyslippersreads I was glad Ophie could help the ghosts (especially Colin) move on. It seemed as though her father had already found peace, probably because, as @Chrissyreadit said, he‘d saved his family. 3y
Johanna414 Literally just finished the book, so I can finally look st the last couple questions! A few of the Ghosts endings seemed a little too quick and easy, but Colin's made me tear up a little. I wish he had been a larger part of the story. 3y
TheBookHippie I think it was realistic. If it has ended sunshine and roses and all tied up nearly would kids then not identify ? I thought it was really well done. Colin reminded me of a student I had for a few months and then was just gone. Tears. I‘m glad I reread this. It‘s just an amazing book. 3y
mrp27 Pretty satisfied they way things ended but wanted a tad more in some areas. Of course I too wanted more story for Colin and even a little more back story on the Carruthers family. Would be interesting if there was a sequel to bring in the cousin that sees. But I‘m happy with the story as is. Perfect blend of mystery and history. 3y
JaclynW @TheBookHippie I agree. I think we all like books that have conflicts and that not everything ends perfectly -- because that is realistic. That is what most of us experience. Life is not tied up in pretty bows every time. It leads to really great discussions too about what we would change, what we would have liked to have seen, etc. The ending, for me, did wrap up satisfactorily. Overall, it was a happy/realistic ending. Such a great read. 3y
JaclynW I agree with others that more about Colin and even the dad would have been a good addition. Maybe Colin can have his own book. 3y
megnews @JaclynW yeah, I don‘t mind if things don‘t turn out perfectly at the end of a book. It‘s pretty unrealistic. I did like this ending. 3y
8 likes20 comments
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Chrissyreadit It made the story a little more eerie to me- but I did not love those parts. 3y
megnews @Chrissyreadit I loved those parts. I especially liked the attic. I have always felt places hold pieces of us and draw us back. I think this is one reason I loved Meissner‘s 3y
Chrissyreadit Oh! I did add it to my TBR. 3y
See All 16 Comments
sblbooks @megnews the attic was my favorite too. 3y
ravenlee It distracted me at first (partly because the Carruthers house being male threw me), but I liked the attic missing its ghost. The house worrying about Aunt Rose and who would belong to it made me really sad. 3y
Johanna414 I didn't really love those chapters... for me, they kind of slowed things down and took me out of the story 3y
Butterfinger I loved those parts. I answered the last question with that sentiment. The train, the trolley, the garden. It was unique. 3y
BarbaraJean Ha—I just mentioned this in the last question! I liked these sections for the way they fleshed out the sense of place, especially at the beginning when Ophie and her mother were arriving in Pittsburgh. I think my favorite was Aunt Rose‘s house wondering who would take care of it. Like @ravenlee I was distracted by the gendering of the houses! 3y
megnews @Johanna414 I hadn‘t thought of it that way. I wonder if kids would like those chapters or not? 3y
rubyslippersreads I liked those interludes; they helped set the stage for the various places Ophie experienced. If there can be ghosts, why not sentient houses? 3y
Chrissyreadit @Johanna414 that‘s how I felt too. 3y
TheBookHippie @megnews I think kids would like it. I gave my ARC to a student who loved it so very much she didn‘t want to part with it. I‘ll have to ask her. 3y
mrp27 Again, I liked this aspect. It added layers to the story. 3y
JaclynW @mrp27 Yes! I saw it as added layers as well. It did help create atmosphere too. @barbarajean @rubyslippersreads I think my favorites were the attic and the garden. @megnews @thebookhippie I do think kids would like this too. I did wonder if some would be confused at these parts as to “who“ was doing the talking here. But what a great teaching moment and a thought for the kids to add this to their own stories. 3y
JaclynW @mrp27 Yes! I saw it as added layers as well. It did help create atmosphere too. @barbarajean @rubyslippersreads I think my favorites were the attic and the garden. @megnews @thebookhippie I do think kids would like this too. I did wonder if some would be confused at these parts as to “who“ was doing the talking here. But what a great teaching moment and a thought for the kids to add this to their own stories. 3y
TheBookHippie @JaclynW I do think it would also be a good classroom read. 3y
7 likes1 stack add16 comments
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Chrissyreadit It made all of it close in time- not life times apart. The setting was perfect. Life was a challenge everywhere. It was interesting how cold and mean some family was. 3y
sblbooks The ride to and from work on the trolley and the description of the cinema as well as daffodil Manor all really help set the scene. 3y
megnews @Chrissyreadit @sblbooks I really liked that it was set during the Great Migration. Not many MG books set in that time. I loved the trolley setting and I agree the old time cinema was a very atmospheric. 3y
See All 19 Comments
Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks yes- this was a great way to bring time and place to life! 3y
ravenlee I thought the setting was very well done, and this particular time and place made Ophie‘s situation really poignant. She‘s in-between in so many ways; living in this new place where being Black shouldn‘t be so dangerous, but it just means learning new rules to supplement the old. And now she‘s in-between for the living and the ghosts, too. Interesting counterpoint. 3y
ravenlee I thought the old house was an interesting part, as it‘s rooted in history and full of ghosts but the family wants to move on into modernity. 3y
Johanna414 I liked how you really got the feel for it being a time of transition, not just for Ophie and her mother, but for all of society. 3y
Butterfinger The writing was brilliant. Making the setting have human qualities was different and awesome. I love when you feel an old building has memories. That is one of the reasons this book will be a favorite of the year. 3y
BarbaraJean I liked the personification of different settings in the little interludes—it fleshed out the sense of place for me. @megnews I was also fascinated at the setting during the Great Migration—made me want to read more about the time. But there were a few times the characters/narrator used phrases that seemed really out of place, pulling me out of the narrative (at one point it‘s said that Ophie “felt some kind of way”—which felt SO out of its time!) 3y
megnews @ravenlee @Johanna414 @Butterfinger I agree about how great the writing was at drawing you in. And it was a time of great change which was done so well. 3y
megnews @BarbaraJean I‘d forgotten that but yes that was awkward. 3y
rubyslippersreads I also liked the personification of places and things. And I agree with @ravenlee about Ophie being in-between in so many ways. 3y
TheBookHippie The writing and phrasing was done so well. I agree with the old building and memories I‘ve always felt that to be true @Butterfinger 3y
mrp27 I really liked the chapters personifying the city, the train, and the buildings. Really well done and brought the story to life. 3y
JaclynW @megnews @mrp27 @butterfinger I loved the setting! I am pretty sure this is the first book I have ever read that took place during the Great Migration. I love that this was mentioned in a middle grade book. @barbarajean The personification was an interesting addition that gave another layer to the story. It really was well written. So many things added to the enjoyment of reading. 3y
megnews @JaclynW it is completely coincidence but I am currently reading about the Great Migration in 3y
megnews @JaclynW and also completely coincidentally I started one yesterday the first 20% has been a family during the Great Migration and I‘m loving it so far 3y
megnews @JaclynW ⬆️ I thought the whole thing would be Harlem but it starts with them coming here from NC 3y
JaclynW @megnews Thanks for the recommendations. I bought The Warmth of Other Suns recently but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm trying to add more of these diverse books to my shelves. 3y
8 likes19 comments
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Chrissyreadit Least favorite is easy- the cousins. My favorite was the brother ghost (I‘m forgetting names at the moment) 3y
sblbooks Favorites: Clara, Colin and Aunt Ruth least favorite: Mrs. Carruthers 3y
megnews @sblbooks @chrissyreadit I really loved Colin. I think the cousins were my least favorite. They didn‘t need to be so mean. 😞 3y
See All 15 Comments
ravenlee I loathed the cousins and Aunt Helen. I liked Aunt Rose (and I got really worried about this cousin who‘s supposed to train Ophie - is there a way to contact her now?!). I kind of liked Colin, though I distrusted him at first. Clara I pitied but couldn‘t really like. I was never sure if she was conniving and malevolent or just tragic. 3y
Johanna414 I think Aunt Ruth was my favorite - every time she dissed the cousins! And I just about lost it when Aunt Helen stole the money they had set aside... she was the worst 3y
Butterfinger I hated Mrs. Carruthers. She was vile. I liked Clara. I didn't trust her, but she was kind to Ophie. 3y
megnews @ravenlee I had trouble completely liking Clara too. I felt really protective of Ophie. Aunt Helen was just as bad as the cousins—taking the money they‘d been saving. 3y
BarbaraJean Like so many others, I loved Colin (and the way he cautioned Ophie) and Aunt Ruth. I also loved Aunt Ruth‘s husband hanging around the garden, waiting for her and caring for the roses. Their reunion was so sweet. @ravenlee I felt the same way about the cousin who was supposed to train Ophie! (edited) 3y
megnews @Johanna414 yes Aunt Helen and the cousins were terrible! 3y
megnews @ravenlee @BarbaraJean it‘s funny. I kind of forgot about the cousin because Ophie seemed to be figuring it all out pretty well herself. Though there were moments I worried how it would all turn out with Clara when she took possession of the girl‘s body (I‘ve forgotten her name). 3y
rubyslippersreads I loved Ophie‘s father and their close relationship. I loathed Mrs. Caruthers and most of Ophie‘s relatives. 3y
megnews @rubyslippersreads yes, they had such a sweet relationship. 3y
Laughterhp Aunt Helen was the worst and the cousins, but they weren‘t as bad as their mom. I liked Aunt Ruth and the little boy ghost, which I think everyone else mentioned. 3y
TheBookHippie @ravenlee 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I‘m with you. 3y
mrp27 I disliked Aunt Helen and the cousins, didn‘t trust Clara, and I liked Colin and Henry and Cook. 3y
7 likes15 comments
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Starting #MGBuddyRead discussion off with a bonus question this month. The rest of the questions are marked with a spoiler so you won‘t be tagged. Please see my page or the feed for Ophie‘s Ghosts to check out the rest of the questions.

Chrissyreadit Yes, I do. When my daughter was about 2 1/2 she can downstairs singing frere Jacque - a song my father taught me when I was little. I NEVER spoke about my dad- it still made me too sad. I asked her who taught her the song and she said “the man in the picture”. I had a small wallet size of my dad on a bookshelf in her room so he could “watch over” her. To this day I cry thinking about it. I had never told her who it was or talked about it. (edited) 3y
megnews Oh @Chrissyreadit , your story brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful gift he gave her and you. (edited) 3y
ravenlee The house I grew up in, there was a tendency for things to move. My sister was home alone once, she was about 13, and the book she‘d been reading disappeared. She set it down on the sofa, and when she came back from the bathroom her book was gone. Half an hour later she found it in the dining room, where she hadn‘t been all evening. My mom used to feel chills in our basement, like a cold hand across the small of her back. I believe. 3y
See All 19 Comments
Johanna414 I do! Friends of ours bought my great grandparents family farm. Several people visiting them, who had never met or heard of my great grandpa, described seeing a man on the property. They described him so accurately- which is impressive because he was only like 5'3" and had a very distinct look. That farm was where he was happiest, so I like to think of him hanging around there 3y
Butterfinger I haven't personally had an experience, but I believe others have. My daughter, the one in college who won't call, had an experience. In Gettysburg, she felt someone kicking her leg and thought it was a friend until the guide said the ghost communicates by jerking on pants' legs. 3y
Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @Johanna414 @ravenlee I‘m glad I‘m not alone in believing. What about you @megnews @sblbooks ? 3y
rubyslippersreads I‘ve never had any supernatural experiences, but I‘m open to believing that others have. 3y
megnews @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Johanna414 @Butterfinger @rubyslippersreads for the most part, my spiritual beliefs don‘t line up with the existence of ghosts though there were some supernatural type visitations in the Bible. I haven‘t had any experiences myself and would be inclined to think scary ones are more like evil spiritual beings than ghosts. I have heard many similar experiences to what Chrissy mentioned and I‘m inclined to think the very ⬇️ 3y
megnews ⬆️young are closer than us to a spiritual realm where those who‘ve passed on would be. 3y
megnews I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences! 3y
megnews @Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @Johanna414 @ravenlee @rubyslippersreads I forgot to add that I do think we leave some essence of ourselves behind in places. I think it‘s 1 reason I have always felt my home in NC though I grew up in Ohio. I feel a strong connection to the places my grandparents & ancestors were & I feel it‘s the place has their essence, their story to tell. I don‘t know if that makes sense but something I‘ve always felt strongly. ⬇️ (edited) 3y
megnews I feel this in like a spiritual sense if that makes sense. I can understand how Native Americans feel attached to the land through their ancestors and to their ancestors through the land. 3y
Chrissyreadit Yes- that makes sense! 3y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @Johanna414 @rubyslippersreads @megnews No, I don't believe in ghosts, based on what I've read in the Bible and I've been taught. I believe in angels and demons. I don't believe people turn into a ghost or an angel when they die. 2nd Corinthians 5:8 3y
Laughterhp I forgot about the discussion yesterday! I do not believe in ghosts nor have I had any experiences that could be ghostly. 3y
TheBookHippie Yes. We visited and old asylum and I could feel a woman‘s presence. In California we stayed at a place where all kinds of weird feelings could be felt when in different spots of the hotel then we took a tour and found out some history and it all made sense. 3y
mrp27 I don‘t know if I believe in ghosts or more in a type of energy. I‘ve been in places that made me uncomfortable and have creeped me out and I‘ve been in situations where unexplainable things have happened but again I think it‘s more an energy than a being. I do certainly believe in angels and demons. 3y
JaclynW @mrp27 @thebookhippie @megnews @laughterhp @butterfinger @johanna414 @ravenlee @chrissyreadit @sblbooks @rubyslippersreads I find all of your experiences and thoughts very fascinating. This is such an interesting question that is often asked. I do not believe in ghosts. I have never had any experiences personally. I would be open to the idea but I would need evidence/experience. I do love reading ghost stories. They are quite fun/totally creepy! 3y
JaclynW @mrp27 @thebookhippie @megnews @laughterhp @butterfinger @johanna414 @ravenlee @chrissyreadit @sblbooks @rubyslippersreads I find all of your experiences and thoughts very fascinating. This is such an interesting question that is often asked. I do not believe in ghosts. I have never had any experiences personally. I would be open to the idea but I would need evidence/experience. I do love reading ghost stories. They are quite fun/totally creepy! 3y
31 likes19 comments
review
Butterfinger
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

I want more Ophelia Harrison. I have fallen in love with this little girl who communicates with ghosts in the 1920s. I did want vengeance for her father's death, but that was one of the best introductions to a story I have read in a while. #MGBuddyRead @megnews

37 likes1 stack add
review
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

This middle grade historical novel has a little bit of everything and was so well written, I had to give it 5 stars. I loved Ophie so much. Looking forward to #MGBuddyRead discussion Saturday.
Please let me know if I missed tagging you here so I can make sure to do so for discussion.

Johanna414 I just started this last night! 3y
ravenlee SO well written! I had an idea where the story was going but didn‘t mind at all because it was done so well. 3y
megnews @ravenlee that was me too! @Johanna414 it‘s a quick read. I think @Chrissyreadit read it in a day. 3y
See All 10 Comments
Chrissyreadit I agree! I did read it in a day- and I loved it! 3y
ravenlee I read it in two! 3y
TheBookHippie LOVED IT!! I‘ll be home Saturday! 3y
BarbaraJean I‘m only 1/3 of the way through… taking my time with the audiobook! Looking forward to the discussion. 3y
CaramelLunacy What a great cover too! 3y
megnews @CaramelLunacy yes, the cover drew me in! 3y
Butterfinger ❤️ 3y
52 likes1 stack add10 comments
review
Laughterhp
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

This was a more serious ghostly read. Ophie can see ghosts but doesn‘t know at first. Her dad wakes her up in the middle of the night to go hide. She then has to move from Georgia to Pittsburgh. She has to leave school to work at a mansion working for a cranky old white lady. On top of that, the house is full of ghosts.

#Scarathlon2021 #Team Hendrix +16pts
#Screamathon
#LittensDressedinBlood
#SpookoweenReadathon

TheSpineView 👍📖🖤👻 3y
megnews We‘re discussing this for #MGBuddyRead Saturday if you‘d like to join. 3y
Laughterhp @megnews I thought I saw someone was discussing this. I‘ll check it out! 3y
58 likes3 comments
review
ravenlee
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

This was a really well-done book about Ophie‘s struggles to adapt to a new life after she and her mom flee Georgia. In Pennsylvania, without her father and surrounded by ghosts, Ophie has to learn the new rules of a hard life. She‘s also drawn to a sad ghost and feels bound to solve her death. Looking forward to #MGBuddyRead discussion this weekend! @megnews

Chrissyreadit I loved it too! 3y
29 likes1 comment
review
Grrlbrarian
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Jack and I LOVED this middle-grade ghost story I read for my #BookSpin Justina Ireland interwove issues of racism and violence into a cracking supernatural yarn guaranteed to enthrall all ages of readers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

megnews #MGBuddyRead is discussing this this Saturday if you‘re interested. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
32 likes2 comments
blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

If you haven‘t yet, grab your book for this month‘s #MGBuddyRead discussion October 16. Everybody welcome to join!

rubyslippersreads I‘m really enjoying this so far. 3y
JaclynW I'm starting this today! 3y
32 likes2 comments
blurb
Chrissyreadit
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

I completely forgot to post my September responses to the #roaringwolf challenge.
1. Read Sophie‘s Ghosts in one day
2. The Wolf of Oren-Yaro has a 1:1 battle
3. Life After Then End takes place on a future Earth. Technically, since it‘s dystopic short stories the characters have also defied the odds.

Roary47 Got you down for the three challenges 🎉💛 3y
69 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Chrissyreadit
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Was able to get early from library for October #mgbuddyread . I loved it! Highly recommend- This is the story of the impact of racism and a smart 12 year old who can talk to ghosts. She is working to figure out the mystery of the house she works in.

Butterfinger The author's name seemed familiar. I had to look it up. I love Dread Nation. 3y
Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger I feel Ike she‘s a go to author for a good book. I loved Dread Nation too! 3y
megnews I‘m so glad you got it so you can discuss with us next month! 3y
Chrissyreadit @megnews me too! Lately I‘ve been so off my reading game 3y
eri.reads This sounds wonderful; stacked! 3y
99 likes5 comments
review
Amie
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Very good! 1920s; Ophie is 12 and has moved to Pittsburgh with her mother after her father is lynched for voting. She has to work as a maid with her mom in a rich family's mansion and can't go to school because they need both incomes. She also discovers that she is able to see and talk to ghosts and the mansion is full of them!

Bahni Turpin narrates the audiobook which is always a plus for me.

blurb
megnews
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Don‘t forget to get your books for October‘s #MGBuddyRead and #YABuddyRead. All welcome! Let me know in the comments if which you‘ll be joining in on so I can tag you.

Chrissyreadit Yes!!! I will order from library today. 3y
Johanna414 I just got Ophie's Ghost at work, so count me in! 3y
sblbooks I'll join in for the mgBuddyRead. 3y
See All 12 Comments
TheBookHippie Ophies Ghost I read the ARC I want to join the discussion. I am getting the other so both! 3y
BarbaraJean I‘m in for Ophie‘s Ghosts! 3y
ravenlee I‘m in for both! 3y
rubyslippersreads I‘m in for Ophie‘s Ghosts. 😊 3y
Deblovestoread I‘m in for both. At least I‘m going to try….🤞🏼 3y
catebutler I‘m planning on both! 🤗 3y
Daisey Please keep me on the lists. I‘ll have to check access for both, but the MG one sounds especially interesting for October. 3y
JaclynW Thanks for the reminder! I've been struggling to keep up this last month - even with the books in hand and best intentions. I hope to make up for it in October. 🥰 3y
Roary47 I‘m planning on just YA 3y
35 likes12 comments
review
BookInMyHands
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

This was such a great ghost story!

After Ophie‘s first encounter saves her life, she starts seeing ghost everywhere as she and her Mama travel to Pittsburg to start a new life.

When Ophie begins working with her Mama at an old mansion, she finds secrets and ghosts haunting the current residents. Ugly truths about racism won‘t stay buried in this story full of truth, hope, and adventure.

Narration by the brilliant Bahni Turpin.

45 likes2 stack adds
blurb
BookInMyHands
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image

Yard work today listening to this fantastic book performed by Bahni Turpin (one of my all-time favorites).
This puppy likes to steal my tools until I play with him. Good thing he‘s so cute 🙄❤️.

Hooked_on_books He looks like a good helper! 😂 3y
Librariana I echo @Hooked_on_books sentiments! He must be a gardener at heart! 🥰💙🐶 3y
56 likes2 comments
review
MandaMT
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Great MG ghost story. It‘s the 1920s and 12 year old Ophie has to work as a maid in a large estate in Pittsburg. She can see ghosts. Both the city and the house are full of them. Ophie learns how to live with her new ability as a mystery unfolds at the manor.
I love Justina Ireland‘s other work. This one did not disappoint!

review
youngreadrshelf
Ophie's Ghosts | Justina Ireland
post image
Pickpick

Ophie can see and talk to ghosts. She finds this out when her dad‘s ghost comes to warn her and her mom to get out before a mob comes for them. They go north. She and mom work at an estate where there are many ghosts and a mystery. One that she will need to use this ability. This was a lot of fun but also showed the reality of being black in 1922.

32 likes1 stack add