Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed

By: José Pablo Iriarte

Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

Benny Ramírez can see dead people . . . Well, one dead person, anyway. A hilarious and heartwarming story about a boy who can suddenly see the ghost of his famous musician grandfather!

After moving cross-country into his late grandfather’s Miami mansion, Benny discovers that the ghost of his famous trumpet-playing abuelo, the great Ignacio Ramírez, is still there . . . and isn’t too thrilled about it. He’s been barred from the afterlife, and no one can see him except his grandson. But Benny’s got problems of his own. He’s enrolled in a performing arts school with his siblings, despite having no obvious talent.
Luckily, Abuelo believes they can help each other. Abuelo has until New Year’s Eve to do some good in the world and thinks that teaching Benny how to play the trumpet and become a school celebrity might be the key to earning his wings. Having no better ideas, Benny finds himself taking Abuelo's advice—to disastrous and hilarious results.
Benny and Abuelo will find that there’s more than one way to be great in this unforgettable, laugh-out-loud tale of family, music, and self-discovery.

Critic reviews

Praise for Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed:

Sunshine State Young Reader Award Finalist
Andre Norton Nebula Finalist
Children's Book Council's 2025 Librarian Favorites
Children’s Book Council’s 2025 Teacher Favorites

“Hilarious and heartfelt. . . . A musical, food-filled party for the artist in everyone!” —Carlos Hernandez, Pura Belpré Award–winning author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

“A fun and lyrical exploration of what it means to find your true talent while keeping your priorities straight. . . . A stunning debut by a rising talent.” —David Bowles, Pura Belpré Honor–winning author of They Call Me Güero

“A funny and heartwarming story about family, friendship, and discovering your talents that resonates like a beautiful song.” —Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Edgar Award–winning author of Concealed

"Sweet and funny....Latine readers may catch some references to Cuban artists in the story, which is richly fleshed out to showcase Miami life and culture." —Booklist

"A humorous and haunting riff on a classic storyline." —Kirkus Reviews

"Benny’s story is a ­charming, not-scary ghost story with ­moments of joy, ­sadness, and wishing-you-were-there in ­Miami eating a delicious ­Cubano sandwich." —School Library Journal

Amazingly written

This amazing ghost story is heartwarming and enlightening. Teaching about the importance of family and relationships, and the value of believing yourself and following your heart. Have tissue ready for the ending.