Free Piano (Not Haunted)

A fast-talking ghost mentor, an endearing tween, and a possibly cursed musical instrument combine in this emphatically rock-’n’-roll graphic novel that riffs on themes of identity, legacy, and learning to own one’s sound. When pale-skinned young Margot discovers a busted keyboard marked “Free Piano (Not Haunted),” she hauls it home—only to discover that it is indeed haunted by a ghost named Vision, a 1980s pop star. Despite Vision being an uninvited guest in her home, Margot forges an unlikely friendship with the spirit, who helps Margot navigate feelings of abandonment from her fame-chasing father, low-key resentment toward her overworked mother, and her own growing desire for creative validation. Psychedelic visuals bursting with retro vibes and poppy hues by Gardner (The Prince and the Pawper) juxtapose Vision’s pop music aesthetic with the subdued, screen-lit radiance of present-day adolescence. Dynamic paneling engages readers and supporting characters such as a crystal-loving adult add warmth and charm to a ghost story that somewhat heavily ruminates on feelings of alienation, artistic ambition, parental disconnect, and the seductive pull of fame. Ages 10–up. (July)

Correction: This review has been updated for clarity.