Marly's Ghost - by David Levithan (Paperback)

About the Book

Two of children's literature's brightest stars present this compelling novel about loss that puts a modern twist on Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." When his girlfriend Marly dies, Ben takes a painful journey through Valentine's Days past, present, and future. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

When Ben's girlfriend, Marly, dies, he feels his life is over. What could possibly matter now when Marly is gone? So when Valentine's Day approaches, it makes sense that this day that was once so meaningful to Ben leaves him feeling bitter and hollow. But then Marly shows up--or at least her ghost does--along with three others spirits. Now Ben must take a painful journey through Valentine's Days past, present, and future, and what he discovers will change him forever.

Review Quotes

The magical realism is powerful throughout, especially in the love story. . . . A solid story . . . (Booklist)

A great addition to the literature of the (ValentineÆs) holiday season. (Kirkus Reviews)

About the Author

David Levithan is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of many books for teens, including Boy Meets Boy, Every Day, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (with Rachel Cohn), and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with John Green). He is also a publisher and editorial director at Scholastic and teaches at The New School in New York. He lives in New Jersey.

Brian Selznick graduated from Rhode Island School of Design. He has since gone on to be an award-winning author-illustrator of many books for children, including The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which won the Caldecott Medal in 2008 and was adapted into the Academy Award-winning film Hugo (directed by Martin Scorsese) and the New York Times bestseller Wonderstruck. Brian lives in Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.