TL;DR
Ghost Book by Remy Lai is a fantastic, award-winning graphic novel for the 8-12 age group. It’s spooky, heartfelt, and rooted in Chinese mythology. However, if you search "Ghost Book" on TikTok or streaming services, you might stumble into some very mature territory (think: gritty crime dramas or "spicy" romance tropes). Stick to the paper-and-ink version for your preteen and you’re golden.
Quick Links:
- Ghost Book by Remy Lai (The book they actually want)
- Power Book II: Ghost (The mature show they definitely DON'T want)
- Ghosts (CBS) (The funny show you might like, but isn't this book)
- Amulet (A great "what to read next" option)
If your kid is in that 4th-to-7th-grade window, you’ve probably seen a blue-covered graphic novel floating around their backpack. It’s called Ghost Book by Remy Lai, and it’s currently tearing up the middle-grade charts.
In a world where we’re constantly worried about "brain rot" YouTube shorts or whether Roblox is turning our kids into mini-gamblers, a kid being obsessed with a 300-page book feels like a massive win. But as with everything in the digital age, a simple title like "Ghost Book" can lead to some awkward—or flat-out inappropriate—search results.
Let’s break down what this book actually is, why your kid is obsessed with it, and how to make sure they’re consuming the right "Ghost" content.
The story follows July Chen, a girl who can see ghosts. During the Hungry Ghost month (a real tradition in Chinese culture where the gates of the underworld open), she saves a "ghost" boy named William. The twist? William isn't fully dead—he’s a wandering soul, and July has to help him get back to his body before he's eaten by actual hungry ghosts.
It’s a story about friendship, sacrifice, and the "invisible" kids who feel like they don't fit in. It’s also visually stunning. If your kid liked Smile by Raina Telgemeier or The Wild Robot, this is right in that wheelhouse of "high-quality storytelling that happens to have pictures."
Graphic novels are the "it" medium right now. Our community data shows that nearly 65% of kids in grades 4-6 prefer graphic novels over traditional prose. Why? Because the pacing matches their digital-native brains. It’s fast, it’s visual, and in the case of Ghost Book, it hits that "mildly creepy but still safe" sweet spot.
It also deals with the "Ohio" of middle school life—feeling weird, being ignored by parents, and finding that one person who finally gets you.
Here is where we need to be "intentional parents." If your kid says, "I want to watch the Ghost Book show," or "I saw Ghost Book on TikTok," you need to pause.
The TikTok Problem
On TikTok, "Ghost Book" or #BookTok searches often lead to "spicy" (adult) romance novels featuring literal or metaphorical ghosts. These are definitely not for the 10-year-old who liked Remy Lai’s art style. If your kid is browsing TikTok for book recommendations, they are one wrong swipe away from some very adult themes.
Learn more about navigating BookTok safety
The "Mature TV" Confusion
There is a very popular, very gritty show called Power Book II: Ghost. It’s about drug dealing, murder, and high-stakes crime. It has zero to do with a sweet girl saving a soul in a graphic novel. If your kid searches "Ghost Book" on a streaming platform, this might pop up.
Similarly, the show Ghosts (both the UK and US versions) is a hilarious sitcom, but it deals with adult relationships and death in a way that’s meant for us, not our preteens. It’s not "bad," but it’s not the companion piece to the book they’re reading.
Recommended Ages: 8-12
- Scare Factor: It’s spooky, not terrifying. Think "creepy shadows and skeletons" rather than "jump scares and gore." If your kid handled Coraline or Stranger Things (Season 1), they’ll be totally fine.
- Emotional Weight: There is a heavy theme of sacrifice and what it means to "die." It’s handled beautifully, but if you have a particularly sensitive kid who is currently dealing with grief, you might want to read it with them.
- Cultural Context: It’s a great gateway to talking about Chinese mythology. No, it’s not "religious" in a way that feels like a lecture; it’s just cool world-building.
Don't let the reading momentum stop! Here are some Screenwise-approved follow-ups that stay in that safe-but-engaging zone:
This is the gold standard for middle-grade graphic novels. It’s an epic fantasy with high stakes and incredible art. If they want more "otherworld" adventures, this is the one.
A bit more whimsical but still features a "quest" and a deep friendship. The art is breathtaking—seriously, you’ll want to frame some of these pages.
Not to be confused with the TV shows! This graphic novel also deals with the Day of the Dead and sisterhood. It’s a perfect thematic companion to Ghost Book.
For younger siblings who want to get in on the "spirit" action, this show is a fantastic, culturally rich option that is 100% "brain rot" free.
Whenever a book becomes a "trend," kids want to engage with it online. They’ll look for "Ghost Book fanart" on Pinterest or "Ghost Book edits" on YouTube.
Most of the Ghost Book by Remy Lai fandom is wholesome. But because the title is so generic, their search results will inevitably include the "other" Ghosts. This is a great time to talk about Search Intent.
Tell them: "Hey, if you're looking for stuff about this book, make sure you search 'Remy Lai Ghost Book' so you don't end up seeing that scary crime show or weird TikTok stuff." It’s a small digital literacy win that pays off long-term.
Ask our chatbot for more tips on teaching kids how to search safely
Ghost Book by Remy Lai is a "Yes" from us. It’s the kind of media we want our kids consuming—imaginative, culturally diverse, and emotionally resonant.
Just keep an eye on the "search spillover." In 2026, no piece of media exists in a vacuum. A book is never just a book; it’s a keyword. As long as you know which "Ghost" your kid is chasing, you’re doing great.
Next Steps:
- Buy or borrow the book. It’s better in physical form than on a Kindle anyway—the art deserves the paper.
- Check their YouTube history. If they’ve been searching "Ghost Book," see what the algorithm is serving them.
- Talk about the mythology. Ask them what they think about the "Hungry Ghost" concept. It’s a much better dinner conversation than "How was school?" (to which we all know the answer is "Fine").