Angel Patterson Loves Her Books
By Martina Amate Perez, Volunteer Blog Writer at Mentor A Promise
“Be proud of who you are. Show them what you’re made of.”
 |
| Cover of the book Lonely Ghost, designed by Mina (Tzu Yun Liu) |
“Be proud of who you are. Show them what you’re made of.”
Who doesn’t love a good pun? Angel Patterson sure does in her debut children’s book, Lonely Ghost. This gentle tale is a love letter to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong. It highlights how nontraditional family dynamics can be isolating for children, drawing from Patterson’s childhood as well as her work as a youth advocate. The book’s ultimate message is to embrace who you are, to seek out friends who do the same, and to hold compassion for those who don’t; sometimes, this means taking space, but always, it means honoring yourself and your story. Written for ages four to six, it can warm the heart of any age.
Ghouly, the main character, is a manifestation of Patterson’s younger self—a sensitive extrovert who sticks out like a sore thumb but wants to fit in. The Boolies mock Ghouly for having a non-ghost parent. The character of Ghouly’s mother, Mummy, is inspired by Patterson’s real-life mother and adoptive father. Patterson says that “[her] mom isn’t really sappy. She is a tough cookie, but she knows when it’s the right time to say things. She isn’t frivolous.” Patterson, on the other hand, describes her father as the “softie.” “He’s quite sentimental outwardly.” Patterson goes on to say that “Both of [her] parents are thoughtful in their own ways. They will stop at nothing to make sure [her] siblings and [she] are cared for. Their example is where I learned to fight for what I love.”
Like Patterson’s mother and father, Mummy gives Ghouly words of comfort that guide her to a community that embraces her for who she is—her Boos. Ghouly realizes that growth can’t come from isolation. This is a lesson Patterson learned herself. Reflecting on her own growth, she proudly self-identifies as an extrovert. "I love people. Everywhere I go, I keep on meeting people who inspire me.”
With its playful ghostly world, tender message, and heartfelt connection to Patterson’s own life, Lonely Ghost is a book to look out for—especially for families, educators, and young readers who need a reminder that belonging often begins with being accepted as you are.
Ghouly, the main character, is a manifestation of Patterson’s younger self—a sensitive extrovert who sticks out like a sore thumb but wants to fit in. The Boolies mock Ghouly for having a non-ghost parent. The character of Ghouly’s mother, Mummy, is inspired by Patterson’s real-life mother and adoptive father. Patterson says that “[her] mom isn’t really sappy. She is a tough cookie, but she knows when it’s the right time to say things. She isn’t frivolous.” Patterson, on the other hand, describes her father as the “softie.” “He’s quite sentimental outwardly.” Patterson goes on to say that “Both of [her] parents are thoughtful in their own ways. They will stop at nothing to make sure [her] siblings and [she] are cared for. Their example is where I learned to fight for what I love.”
Like Patterson’s mother and father, Mummy gives Ghouly words of comfort that guide her to a community that embraces her for who she is—her Boos. Ghouly realizes that growth can’t come from isolation. This is a lesson Patterson learned herself. Reflecting on her own growth, she proudly self-identifies as an extrovert. "I love people. Everywhere I go, I keep on meeting people who inspire me.”
With its playful ghostly world, tender message, and heartfelt connection to Patterson’s own life, Lonely Ghost is a book to look out for—especially for families, educators, and young readers who need a reminder that belonging often begins with being accepted as you are.
Patterson has my stamp of approval. More importantly, she has her five-year-old little sister’s stamp of approval. Does she have yours? Lonely Ghost will become available in June 2026 as an e-book and audiobook.
Comments
Post a Comment