Harold Kline is a 14-year-old boy, awaiting the return of his brother from World War II. His desparation for his brother is amplified, not only by his disappointing homelife (since his mother's remarriage after the news of his father's death in the War), but by the fact that Harold is constantly teased and taunted by the children of his hometown, Liberty. Harold has albinoism.

The story sets off when a circus comes to town, and Harold finds himself in the company of people he himself deems "freaks." He eventually resorts to running away from home, accompanying the travelling circus, on a quest to meet the Cannibal King (an albino performer within the circus). However, Harold is torn between attempting to fit in with the "normal" circus performers and remaining with the "freaks" who first accepted him.

Harold is, from my point of view, a fairly selfish character. Judgemental of the "freaks" who he relates to so strongly, and desparate for the approval of a girl named Flip, Harold did not show much consideration for anything but his own desires. This does not mean he was a bad character - Harold learns on his adventure: through the tales of Thunder Wakes Him, a native American circus performer; the warnings of gypsy Magda; as well as the losses he experiences, Harold grows from a self-conscious, scared child into a resilient, understanding young man.

I would recommend Ghost Boy, although mostly for background characters such as Thunder Wakes Him and Tina, who were both humorous and heart-breaking. Some of the language may make readers uncomfortable - with the taunting and treatment of the "freaks", but I believe it was necessary to truly get across the 1940s setting and the message of acceptance of others, as well as yourself.