Beth Cato's Reviews > Benny RamÃrez and the Nearly Departed
Benny RamÃrez and the Nearly Departed
by
by

I read this book as part of the Norton finalist packet.
I love a middle grade books, and this one is a treasure. Benny barely knew his famous, recently-deceased grandpa, Ignacio RamÃrez, but now he's living in the man's Miami mansion. He, his parents, and his brother and sister are fresh transplants from Los Angeles. His older sister is a fantastic dancer, while his little brother goes so deeply into his acting roles that he barely breaks character for weeks. Benny feels like the untalented one in the family, a veritable imposter at the creative arts magnet school his parents now teach at. But now Benny is the only one who can see and speak with the ghost of his Abuelo. His grandfather was booted out of the afterlife, told he has unfinished business on Earth, and he's now certain that business is to make Benny a trumpet-playing star. Benny, in awe of his arrogant and domineering Abuelo, now has to navigate a new school, a new talent (kind of), and a family in turmoil.
This is such a sweet book. It's a bit cringey at times, as Benny does things that make you go, 'Oh no!' but fortunately those bits don't go on for long, as the book takes some nice, surprising turns. I really love the loving nature of his family--the depictions of the relationships feel complicated and real.
I love a middle grade books, and this one is a treasure. Benny barely knew his famous, recently-deceased grandpa, Ignacio RamÃrez, but now he's living in the man's Miami mansion. He, his parents, and his brother and sister are fresh transplants from Los Angeles. His older sister is a fantastic dancer, while his little brother goes so deeply into his acting roles that he barely breaks character for weeks. Benny feels like the untalented one in the family, a veritable imposter at the creative arts magnet school his parents now teach at. But now Benny is the only one who can see and speak with the ghost of his Abuelo. His grandfather was booted out of the afterlife, told he has unfinished business on Earth, and he's now certain that business is to make Benny a trumpet-playing star. Benny, in awe of his arrogant and domineering Abuelo, now has to navigate a new school, a new talent (kind of), and a family in turmoil.
This is such a sweet book. It's a bit cringey at times, as Benny does things that make you go, 'Oh no!' but fortunately those bits don't go on for long, as the book takes some nice, surprising turns. I really love the loving nature of his family--the depictions of the relationships feel complicated and real.
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Reading Progress
April 6, 2025
–
Started Reading
April 6, 2025
– Shelved
April 7, 2025
– Shelved as:
2025
April 7, 2025
– Shelved as:
middle
April 7, 2025
– Shelved as:
nebula
April 7, 2025
– Shelved as:
paranormal
April 7, 2025
–
Finished Reading