I was drawn in by the premise of this book and as such was delighted to be able to read an advance reading copy of it. I do think that as an idea, it has the foundations on which to build something good.

'Cast No Shadow' covers a pretty wide range of topics if you wanted to use it as a starting point for any sort of discussion. This is a book in which a young reader is confronted with issues of; morals, loss, grief, spirituality, duality of existence, social norms, relationships and, well, almost everything else besides.

The idea of making a graphic novel which deals with quite open questions which can engage a young reader is certainly a good one. I can't knock this book for trying to do that.

However, the book jumps rapidly from one thing to the next without much linking anything together. In essence, the narrative isn't strong enough to hold together so many ideas all at once. While I admire and praise Nick Tapalansky for choosing to tackle subjects not always seen in books for younger readers (and specifically in graphic novel format) I suspect this is a case of too many things being challenged and looked at all at once.

I will not give up on this writer, nor the ideas behind the book. This could lead somewhere very good in the future in a similar genre, but I could not in all honesty say that I would recommend this particular book to any of the children I teach, and that is never a great sign.

When's the last time a book made you smile at the end of it - a satisfied, happy grin? Time to read "Cast No Shadow"! This graphic novel has sharp dialogue, sassy tone, and breaks all the rules (and the fourth wall!). Centering around Greg who is dealing with a significant life change, the characters are laugh out loud funny. His best friend Layla is a kick butt heroine who is smart as a whip. The Gaston-esque Jake falls for her, bringing him into the crazy world of ghosts and a shadowless friend. Jake's turnaround is so sweet. You want to pinch his cheeks.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book is the casting of the shadow as the villain. At one point when I was reading, I realized that everyone could see and hear Greg's shadow. Odd, but a beautiful metaphor! I can't go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil it, but there are very interesting theories introduced by the kooky psychic character that tantalize the mind.
A final brilliant addition is the epilogue. Great way to keep the pace up and add a satisfying closure.
The art accompanies the tone set forth by the dialogue well. There are a few panels I wouldn't mind purchasing and putting on the library walls as art!
Overall, I liked this book. Its accessible tone and intriguing art will make it a favorite for many kinds of readers. A perfect recommendation for students overcoming a life changing event.

This graphic novel is a short quick read, and while the idea of the story was interesting, I feel that major plot points were kind of glossed over. I liked the connection between Greg and Eleanor, but found myself confused at times, and wishing that more of an explanation was provided.

Un ragazzo senza ombra, malinconico e isolato nonostante quella prorompente forza della natura che è la sua migliore amica, trova una fidanzata.
Una ragazza sensibile, dolce, divertente, un po' d'altri tempi: perfetta, se non fosse che è un fantasma, legata alla dimora in cui abitava in vita, teatro di un tremendo omicidio.
Una delicatissima storia d'amore e amicizia (adoro Layla, l'inarrestabile migliore amica - che lui lo voglia o no - di Greg, il protagonista), di solitudine e crescita, illustrata con abilità e fantasia dal talento dii Anissa Espinosa.

This is a short and sweet graphic novel about a boy without a shadow who meets a ghost. Cute and funny, but I wish we could've gotten more info about the whole "person separate from their shadow" thing.