Raised by Ghosts

Raised by Ghosts is a 2025 semi-autobiographical graphic novel by Briana Loewinsohn about her childhood in the 1990s.

Summary

Set during 1990s in California, the book follows Loewinsohn's time in middle school, where she dealt with feelings of loneliness and the divorce of her parents. The book features notes and diary entries made by Loewinsohn alongside her illustrations.

Reception Publishers Weekly gave a starred review, describing Raised by Ghosts as depicting a "haunting sense of loneliness and being forgotten."

Zack Quaintance of The Beat compared the artwork to "Slightly-grungy Wes Anderson," and gave particular attention to a section which Briana imagines herself falling into her paper notes.

Lydia Turner of Broken Frontier characterized the book as "a love letter from Loewinsohn to her younger self, and also to lost souls, who are waiting to be seen."

The book was included in the New York Public Library's 2025 list of the Best Comic for Adults. +Awards and honors for Raised by GhostsYearAward/HonorResultRef.2026Outstanding Comics Awards for Young Adults - FictionEisner Award for Best Graphic MemoirRingo Award for Best Kids Comic or Graphic Novel - Ages 12 and Up2025Harvey Award for Best Young Adult Book

References