The only thing that kept me listening (free LibroFM choice for educators) was the short chapters - classic James Patterson. It really wasn't about the group of friends, and I really didn't get to know the characters well, either. (Also, the epilogue... seriously?!) Anyway, lessons preached - take those (safe) risks, and live your life.

This book is just so beautifully doned. I have never cried so much with a book.

Patterson and Co definitely have a simple style of story telling - a less is more approach - and this story covers some deep shit in a lighter sort of way, which i think people can appreciate. My hang-up would be how every page has a "relatable" buzz word on it for the young adults. I think people tend to underestimate kids - in general but also - in that this story could have been told and enjoyed with less LOOK AT THIS COOL WORD I JUST REFERENCED and more plain story-telling

Thoroughly enjoyed this up until the ripoff ending. It showed a true lack of belief in children and undermined so much of the grieving process. Felt too Narnia-esque for me.

4.5 stars!

This was a super fast paced, entertaining and emotional read. I don’t know what I expected going into it, but it wasn’t to tear up on multiple occasions.

This is a beautiful and fun story that raises some strong points about what it really feels like to be alive, in a way that’s not heavy and very easy to stick with you.

To me the epilogue felt a little bit like a cop out - even though it was probably just meant to be seen as a happy ending. It’s a personal preference of mine and so that was what brought this down from a 5 star read.

However this is a beautiful story and so so good. It kept me so hooked that I read it all in one sitting.

Parts of this are pretty dark, seeing as the main character dies in the first chapter of the book, and meets other dead characters with unfinished business. I would have liked this story as a kid, and many of my students will enjoy this one too. Ages 10 and up.

This was surprisingly VERY disappointing from these two authors. I expected some humor or a good old fashioned ghost story or something more meaningful and instead this was a too-long story about regrets. I can't imagine how to sell this to students.

Grades 5 and up.

3 1/2 stars. A cute middle grade story. I did not like that ending though.

Great light-hearted ghost story about a boy who dies when he is run off the road by a van while riding his bicycle. He decides to stick around earth while he tries to figure out who killed him. He checks in on his family and friends, and meets a ghost-girl along the way. There are some sad moments, but it's mostly a story with humor and heart. Middle graders should eat this up. Recommended for grades 5+.