This is a follow up to my copyright issues post here:
I have now done a round of thumbnails for all three ghost stories, and my favorites are in the image below.
The 3 middle grade novels (light spoiler alert) are:
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Temple Alley Summer. (Set in Japan) The scene is from the beginning, when Kazu, from the second floor, sees the ghost, Akari, leave his house at night. The description of the house is fairly clear. It's more a matter of angles.
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The Elephant's Girl. (Set in the US midwest) The scene is from the climax of the story. Everyone is sheltering in the elephant barn at a zoo during a tornado. The roof has come off and the elephants are protecting the people. Lex, the blonde girl, is yelling at the wind (she has good reasons). In the middle of the chaos, a ghost walks in, unaffected by the storm and holding the key to a mystery. The hand in 1b belongs to the ghost, who is described as reaching out to Lex. I need help narrowing these down, please. My current faves are 1, 2, 4, and 5.
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Ophie's Ghosts (set in 1920s Pittsburg, especially in the Black community): 12yr old Ophie is at a sweet shop eating an ice cream with her friend Penelope (older). But when she sees their reflections in the window, Ophie is startled to recognize Clara, a light-skinned ghost, instead of Penelope.
Do you have favorites either individually, or as a trio? My criteria for now are angles, storytelling, and perhaps value. I still need to do character sketches and will work out the kinks in the drawing. I want the three to look good together but also want good storytelling for each.
Also, I would be happy if anyone wants to post reference on a) a reflection from inside a shop at night, and b) any corrections on the cultural particulars, especially rambling 20th C. Japanese houses. I can find reference for 1920s Black women, but younger girls are harder to find. For example, Ophie has braids, but what kind?
These will be black and white, for my middle grade portfolio.
Thank you for any help!
