Ditching Saskia

(Paperback)

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Description

Living with his grandfather and struggling in a new high school, Damian decides to summon his mother's ghost so he can talk things out - but he blows it and summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Trying to settle into his new life, Damian doesn't need her hanging around trying to 'help' him with his crush - but Saskia's suffering too, and everything they're both hiding deep down might be just what they both need to get some peace. John Moore and Neetols paint a sweet and hilarious tale of young love amidst grief, where someone's flaws might be the reason you love them the most.

Reviews

'This is a touching story dealing with a multitude of feelings, from loss, frustration, self-identity, discovery and understanding.' * Tyrell Waiters, Vern: Custodian of the Universe *
A teen mourning his mother hopes to conjure her ghost and gets a sassy spirit kid sidekick instead. -- Meg Lemke * Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews *
A shy teenager rejected by his father and a nosy 9-year-old ghost untangle a complicated web of lies. Damian, a teen of Filipino descent who lives with Lolo, his grandfather, is the quiet new kid at a school where having the best story can earn you friends and popularity. So, when Damian accidentally summons Saskia, the spirit of a little girl who died after becoming lost in the woods, he invents a story to explain why he didn't use his rare, precious Spirit Flower to be reunited with his mom, who died when he was 4-he says someone stole it. When persistent classmate Meghan interviews Damian for the student paper, his robbery story evolves into ever-bigger lies. Meghan also posts a video fabricating lies that misrepresent Saskia, much to her rage. Damian grapples with grief, his complicated memories of his mom, and mounting scrutiny and pressure to tell the truth. Meanwhile, his crush on his friend Elijah grows into something more. The delicate and expressive illustrations are executed in shades of gray, black, and navy; the gold accents of the Spirit Flower signify its value in bringing back those who have passed. The quirky character dynamics create a sense of comic relief amid the emotional intensity. Saskia and Meghan read white, and Elijah is cued Korean. The story leaves unanswered plot points that suggest a sequel. Intriguing supernatural elements grounded by genuine expressions of friendship and understanding. (Graphic paranormal. 13-17) -- Laura Simeon * Kirkus Reviews *

Author Bio

John Moore grew up exploring the creaky woods of Hertfordshire and studied at the University of Sussex where he developed his socially conscious writing style. Subjects such as grief, mental health, childhood and family are core themes in his work which he often tries to examine with humour. He has been awarded places on programmes run by the likes of BBC Writersroom, Papatango Theatre Company, Screen Arts Institute and Working Title. In 2021, John was also selected for the VAULT Festival New Writers Programme. Neetols (they/them) is a graphic designer and illustrator born and raised in Manila, Philippines, where they reside still. They have worked in advertising and the non-profit sector where they realized their interest in narrative art and illustrating genuine human connections. They are inspired by classic manga, mid-century packaging design, old gig posters, and slice-of-life movies.