ParentsPick

Ghost (Track) — Content Guide for Parents

By Jason ReynoldsSimon & Schuster2017ISBN 9781509445905
Ghost (Track)

Themes present

Violence
Racial/cultural content
Profanity

Not found

Scary contentReligious themesClimate changeSexual identityGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

Winner of the American Library Associations Odyssey Honor. An American Library Association Notable Childrens Recording. Named An Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults by the Young Adult Library Services Associate (YALSA)! Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this first electrifying novel of a brand-new series from Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award-winning author Jason Reynolds. Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team - a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Ghost has a crazy natural talent, but no formal training. If he can stay on track, literally and figuratively, he could be the best sprinter in the city. But Ghost has been running for the wrong reasons - it all starting with running away from his father, who, when Ghost was a very little boy, chased him and his mother through their apartment, then down the street, with a loaded gun, aiming to kill. Since then, Ghost has been the one causing problems - and running away from them - until he meets Coach, an ex-Olympic Medalist who blew his own shot at success by using drugs, and who is determined to keep other kids from blowing their shots at life.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Ghost (Track) appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book includes two major incidents of violence: a shooting where no one is hurt and a fight between two boys. These events are described as not gory or excessive, indicating a moderate level of violence. No scary content detected in the search results. The narrative discusses past trauma but does so in a way that is framed as a memory, which reduces its immediate impact.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have violence?

    The book includes two major incidents of violence: a shooting where no one is hurt and a fight between two boys. These events are described as not gory or excessive, indicating a moderate level of violence.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have scary content?

    No scary content detected in the search results. The narrative discusses past trauma but does so in a way that is framed as a memory, which reduces its immediate impact.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have religious themes?

    No religious content detected in the search results. The narrative focuses on overcoming personal tragedy and finding belonging without reference to specific religious beliefs or practices.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have racial/cultural content?

    The book addresses themes of race, including the protagonist's experiences with racism and the impact of poverty. It portrays characters as predominantly black and discusses the challenges they face in a racially charged environment.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have profanity?

    There is occasional profanity noted, including one use of 'f--k' and more frequent uses of words like 's--t' in related content, but specific instances in the book itself are not detailed.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have climate change?

    No climate themes detected in the search results. The book's focus is on personal and social issues rather than environmental topics.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have sexual identity?

    No sexual content detected in the search results. The focus is on themes of personal growth and overcoming adversity rather than sexual themes.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have gender roles?

    No specific gender roles are discussed in the search results. The narrative focuses on the protagonist's personal journey and relationships rather than traditional or modern gender roles.

  • Does Ghost (Track) have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes detected in the search results. The book is described as focusing on themes of bullying, abuse, and personal growth without any mention of LGBTQ+ content.