The sign insisted it wasn’t haunted, so why does the piano keep playing sinister tunes all by itself?
Free Piano (Not Haunted), from award-winning author Whitney Gardner, is a light-hearted middle-grade graphic novel that combines supernatural fun and heartfelt emotions. The story follows twelve-year-old Margot, who feels lonely and overlooked by her overworked mother and absent, fame-chasing father. When she discovers an old synthesizer on the curb with a sign that reads “Free Piano (Not Haunted),” she brings it home and accidentally summons Vision, the ghost of a charismatic 1980s pop star. An unlikely friendship ensues, and Margot’s complicated family life and her growing obsession with gaining social media followers, makes for an interesting story, where she is exploring what it means to make music for herself while seeking the approval of others.
This book is a fantastic resource for students who find reading challenging. Its graphic novel format immediately lowers the effort required as the vibrant, full-color illustrations and dynamic paneling give a good idea of the storyline. For a visual learner or an English language learner struggling to understand the underlying emotions, seeing Margot’s expressions change adds meaning to the text. The dialogue uses simple and compound sentences, making the story easy to follow without sacrificing its emotional complexity. New vocabulary, especially music-related terms like “synthesizer,” is naturally supported by the visual context, aiding language acquisition. The use of modern slang offers an opportunity to explore the idiomatic language. Nominated for a 2025 Harvey Award, this book hits a sweet spot; its mature, relatable themes of family and digital wellness will engage older students, while its accessible format builds confidence in reluctant readers.
