Jason Reynolds’ Ghost is a gripping and deeply moving novel that explores ambition, resilience, and the power of finding your place in the world. It’s a story about facing the past, embracing change, and discovering the strength to push forward.
Ghost is a compelling and relatable protagonist, navigating challenges with honesty and vulnerability. His journey feels raw and authentic, making his triumphs and setbacks deeply affecting. Reynolds captures his emotions—anger, fear, hope—with a voice that feels real and immediate.
Coach Brody sees Ghost’s raw talent and offers him a chance to be part of the team. But being part of something bigger than himself isn’t easy. Ghost struggles to outrun his past, control his temper, and prove that he belongs—not just on the track, but in his own life. As he pushes himself harder, the weight of his secrets threatens to slow him down.
Ghost is a compelling and layered protagonist, flawed yet deeply relatable. His voice is honest and raw, making his journey feel real and immediate. Reynolds captures the intensity of Ghost’s emotions—his anger, fear, and hope—with authenticity, allowing readers to connect with him on a profound level.
Jason Reynolds’ writing is fast-paced and accessible, mirroring the urgency of Ghost’s story. The novel seamlessly weaves themes of trauma, friendship, and perseverance, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through Ghost’s experiences, the book examines what it means to belong, the impact of past wounds, and the importance of second chances.
Beyond its emotional depth, Ghost is also a celebration of sport as a way to channel emotions, build confidence, and find community. It’s a fantastic starting point for discussions about overcoming adversity, the power of mentorship, and the choices that shape our futures.
See below for ‘Ghost’ words. You can also access an editable list here.

Vocabulary Cards
As well as word lists, we also offer free use of our vocabulary cards, which can be downloaded as a PDF for use in class. Complete a short form and we will email you the cards straight away.
Vocabulary cards include:
- Definition;
- Word type;
- Synonyms and antonyms;
- Example sentence;
- Image.
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The Vocab Module - How it Works
Find out more about our Vocab module. It's simple, online, and each learner has their own username and password. You (the teacher) allocate the word list you'd like your class to work on... and away they go!