Neshama — Marcella Pixley

A bullied girl who communicates with ghosts finds her inner strength in a haunting novel-in-verse that will resonate with anyone who has felt themselves to be different.Anna sees ghosts. Most of the kids at her middle school think she’s weird and ignore her—or worse. Anna’s parents certainly don’t believe her, either. Only her beloved grandmother, Bubbe, honors Anna’s shayna neshama, her beautiful soul, and spending the Sabbath with Bubbe gives Anna strength for each school week ahead. When Ruthie, a child who died decades ago, appears at Bubbe’s house by the river, Anna begins to uncover long-hidden family secrets and tragedies. And when Bubbe’s life is in danger, Anna must draw on all her courage to save her—and to bring her shattered family back together. National Book Award long-listed author Marcella Pixley brings her lyrical sensibility and Jewish faith to this powerful story of bullying and finding friendship, and of family pain and healing.