Breathe: A Ghost Story facts for kids
First edition (US)
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| Author | Cliff McNish |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's LiteratureFiction |
| Publisher | Orion Books (UK) Carolrhoda Books (US) |
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Publication date
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2006 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 232 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0761349624 |
Breathe: A Ghost Story is an exciting novel by English author Cliff McNish. It was published in 2006 and was his first book that wasn't part of a series. The story is about a group of ghost children who are stuck inside an old farmhouse. They are trapped by a scary spirit known as the Ghost Mother. The main character is twelve-year-old Jack, who has severe asthma. He has just moved into the old house with his mother, and soon finds out that the Ghost Mother wants him for herself.
Contents
What Happens in Breathe: A Ghost Story?
Jack's New Home and Special Ability
The story begins with twelve-year-old Jack, who has very bad asthma. This condition has made him very sick many times. Jack and his mother have recently lost his father. To help them feel better, Jack's mother decides they should move to a very old farmhouse. This house is 200 years old and has a lot of history for Jack to discover. Soon after moving in, Jack starts to realize he can talk to ghosts.
Meeting the Ghost Children
On his very first day in the house, Jack feels like other people are there, even though he can't see them. He soon meets four young ghost children: Ann, Oliver, Gwyneth, and Charlie. Jack quickly learns that another spirit, the Ghost Mother, has trapped these children in the house. She uses their energy to stay strong.
The Ghost Mother's Past and Plan
As the story goes on, readers learn about the Ghost Mother's sad past. About 150 years ago, she went through some very difficult times involving her young daughter, Isabella. Because of her past, the Ghost Mother becomes very focused on Jack. She wants him to be her own son.
A Dangerous Confrontation
In her strong desire to have Jack, the Ghost Mother takes control of his real mother's body. When Jack doesn't react the way she hoped, the Ghost Mother gets very angry. A series of tense events leads to a dangerous moment where Jack faces the Ghost Mother. He must race against time to save the ghost children trapped in the house.
Awards and Recognition
Breathe: A Ghost Story has won several awards and been recognized for its storytelling.
- It won the Calderdale Award.
- It also won the Virginia Readers’ Choice Award.
- The book received the Salford Award.
- It was a finalist for the Rhode Island Teen Book Award.
- It was also a finalist for the Texas Lonestar Awards.
In May 2013, the U.K. Schools Library Network voted Breathe as one of the best 100 novels of all time for both adults and children.
