Breathe: A Ghost Story (Exceptional Reading & Language Arts Titles for Intermediate Grades) [Library Binding]

Cliff McNish (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Exceptional Reading & Language Arts Titles for Intermediate Grades

Jack is not a normal boy. He can talk to ghosts. In his new home, an aging farmhouse, he meets the Ghost Mother, a grief-stricken spirit who becomes very attached to him...too attached. He learns that the Ghost Mother is preying in the cruelest imaginable way on four child ghosts who are trapped in the house, stealing their energy to sustain her own. Before Jack can figure out how to help them, the Ghost Mother takes possession of his real mother's body. Jack wants to fight back, but he has severe asthma and risks fatal attacks with any physical exertion. It will take all his resources, and his mother's as well, to fight off the Ghost Mother and save the ghost children from a horrible fate.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8–Asthmatic Jack and his recently widowed mother move into an old farmhouse–but they aren't alone. The spirits of four children also inhabit it, but only Jack can see and hear them. Those spirits aren't alone, either. A Ghost Mother rules the roost and has enslaved the ghost children. And now she is after Jack. However, he has a second sight that might help him save the souls of those dead, abused children. Can he act fast enough to save himself and his mother? McNish keeps the pacing and action moving right along. While the story is plot driven, the author gives his characters substance, and his language usage and style are fairly sophisticated. This is a well-crafted story that is weightier than the standard chiller. Filled with suspense, it will keep readers riveted to the pages.–Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA
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About the Author

" Cliff McNish's first trilogy, which includes The Doomspell, The Scent of Magic, and The Wizard's Promise, won him an instant and avid readership and was published in 19 languages around the world. He was hailed as a "great new voice in writing for children" (The Bookseller). For Carolrhoda Books he has written The Silver Child, Silver City, Silver World, and Breathe. Mr. McNish was born in northeastern England. He enjoys playing golf, walking up mountains, and eating as much hot and spicy food as possible. He is married and has a teenage daughter, for whose entertainment he made up his first stories. " --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 261 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (June 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822564432
• ISBN-13: 978-0822564430
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,265,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Read, October 17, 2009

By 

Katje P - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breathe: A Ghost Story (Paperback)

My ten-year-old daughter and I read this book together. She proclaimed "Breathe" an awesome book and raved to all her friends and teachers alike. Once we had started reading this book we could not stop until forced to go to bed. It was suspenseful, well written and full of descriptive language. The author made you feel for each of the characters, even the ghost mother, who we found ourselves loathing yet pitying at times. Be warned, for sensitive readers some parts may be too intense. This is a ghost story, so be prepared to be a little frightened. There are references to death and a nether world called the Nightmare Passage which is a pretty spooky place. We would recommend this book to older children and adults who like suspense and a book that is nearly impossible to put down.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best book of my life, December 5, 2007

By 

Michael Valdez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breathe: A Ghost Story (Exceptional Reading & Language Arts Titles for Intermediate Grades) (Library Binding)

Breathe, a ghost story, by McNish is one of the few books I've read that has really caught my attention. I was interested in the book from the first page to the last.
One of the things that the author did a great job on was the suspense he added throughout the story. For examples the ghost mother got inside Sarah, how jacks asthma attacks almost killed him multiple times, how he had contact with the other side, and so many other problems. All the main parts of the story lead up to one and another. I also liked that he could add such an evil character such as the ghost mother, and still make us connect with her. I feel like i connected with all the characters, and now that it is over, i feel i want more. Overall , this book was great and i would suggest it to all age groups.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Easy reading, May 27, 2009

By 

E. Blodgett - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Breathe (Hardcover)

An fun and educational read for young and old set in a haunted house. Limited cast of characters makes reading aloud easy but ethereal English ghosts can be challenging.

McNish's descriptions of the main character make you believe he knows something about living with asthma.

Some plot elements could have been more developed but may not be noticed by most readers.