Golden & Grey (an Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost)

by Louise Arnold

Book Overview

Grey Arthur is a ghost who hasn't found his place in the world. Tom Golden is a boy who doesn't fit in at school. When Tom and Grey Arthur mutter the same three words, "Life isn't fair," at exactly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689875851
• ISBN13: 9780689875854
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Golden and Grey

Golden and Grey By Louise Arnold Do you like books about Casper the Friendly Ghost? Well this book has a ghost that's just like him, his name is Grey Arthur. Grey Arthur is a ghost who helps out a new kid in school who just moved to London. His name is Tom. Tom is a kid who gets bullied a lot. Grey Arthur helps Tom out in school. Humans can not hear or see ghosts. But one day. BAM! Tom got hit by a car while he was running from the school bully Big Ben. When Tom got hit by the car he fell back and hit his head hard, and now he can see ghosts. He woke up in the emergency room. He was fine. A couple of days later his parents over heard him talking to Arthur and got a specialist for kids who claim they can see ghosts. His name is Dr. Brown. What Know body knew was that he is a crazed psycho with a plan to win the lottery. What will happen to Tom and Arthur? Read the book to find out.

A different kind of ghost story...

On a rainy Tuesday in England, a ghost named Grey Arthur is feeling sad and wishes that he could be more helpful in the Ghost World. Meanwhile, Tom Golden comes home after a bad day at school. Tom is the new kid at Thorbleton Secondary School and the youngest in his class. If this weren't difficult enough for Tom, he is bullied by classmates and has no friends. Then, Arthur hears Tom's plight and decides to become Tom's Invisible Friend. Arthur goes to school with Tom every day, helping him deal with the bullies, and each night he tells Tom stories of his Poltergeist hero, the Red Rascal. This could be a wonderful solution for Grey and Tom's loneliness --- if only Tom could see his new friend. Then one day, Tom gets into a bad accident and begins to see Arthur! Tom is at first unnerved by his newfound ability, but as Arthur introduces him to other characters --- including the hilarious Ballpoint Bill and Mrs. Scruffles --- Tom begins to have better days. The boys' friendship comes at a price, however, when people from both worlds begin seeking out Tom. When Tom gets into a dangerous situation with a shady doctor, it's up to Arthur and his friends to rescue not only Tom, but also the delicate balance between ghosts and humans. GOLDEN & GREY is a great story that presents the complexities of a boy's friendship with a ghost. Louise Arnold's debut is sure to be a favorite with readers now and in the future.

A Fantasy for the Ages

Eleven-year-old Tom Golden couldn't be more dissatisfied with his new surroundings. He doesn't fit in with his new classmates, and, due to this difference, he is beaten up almost everyday by various class bullies, both physically and mentally, leaving him drained and friendless by the time that he arrives home from school everyday. Grey Arthur, a ghost, is looking for a ghostly position that will suit his needs, but can't seem to succeed in anything he does, simply because he is too kind. That is, until Tom comes along. Tom gives Grey the idea he needs for the perfect job. Grey decides to be an Invisible Friend. He immediately takes the position at Tom's side, keeping bullies from attacking him, or leaving vicious notes on his back or backpack, but the work leaves Grey hopeless, for Tom can't see him. That is, until a freak accident renders Tom the only human in all the world to be able to see ghosts as real people, and all that changes. I must admit that usually, after I read one of J.K. Rowling's novels - which I just did, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, to be exact - that I have a hard time getting deeply involved with any future novels for a good month. However, when I picked up Louise Arnold's GOLDEN & GREY, the notion was quickly swept from my mind. GOLDEN & GREY is a remarkable first novel by a wonderful new writer. Arnold's quick, lyrical writing, bring the story and its characters to life, and truly make the reader feel as if he/she were right there alongside Tom and Grey as they meet up with various ghostly species, and get into all sorts of trouble and mischief. A marvelous book that will bring a smile to the faces of the HARRY POTTER crowd. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Loved it!

I started reading the book when I woke up this morning and had finished it by the afternoon. I couldn't put it down! I loved the humour and the characters will stay with me for a long time. Now hurry up and get us a sequel!

The Next JK Rowling?

I also read the brilliant short story, which won the prestigious BBC competion. I can't wait for the release of the book - Louise is a very talented and creative writer. A basis for a blockbuster movie? Arnold is A1 as far as I am concerned. Remember you read it here.