June 2025

Reading Level: Grade 2-3 • Interest Level: Grade 9-12

Ghost Runner

Available: June 2025
Author: Ann Malaspina
Specs: 5 1/2” X 8 1/4” • 200 pp. • Excerpts from other Books within this Series, Written in Verse, About the Author Section, Hi-Lo Content
HC ed.: 9781978597747 • $25.80 | $19.40
eBook: 9781978597761 • $25.80 | $19.40
Pbk. ed.: 9781978597754 • $16.35 | $14.20
Essie’s twin brother Nate died when he fell off the railroad bridge. No one knows why he was up there, or how he fell. After Nate’s old dog Apollo spots what looks like a ghost on their morning walk by the river, Essie wants to find out what really happened and why Nate isn’t letting go. In the process, maybe she’ll be able to stop her parents from blaming each other for Nate’s death. To find clues, Essie quits the Camera Club and walks on to the cross-country team her brother was expected to lead to victory this year. She’s never competed before, but she and Nate ran together all their lives. When her teammates freeze her out, Essie thinks they know more about Nate’s death than they’re saying. Essie picks up her camera again. Can she find the truth with her lens? Sometimes it feels like Apollo is the only one with any answers.

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About the Author:
Ann Malaspina is an award-winning author of books for young people. She often writes about social justice and civil rights. Ann has an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. The daughter of a Greek immigrant, she lived in Queens for 10 years while raising her two sons. When not writing, Ann likes to listen to spoken word poetry, visit art museums, and travel. Check out her website at www.annmalaspina.com.