"Shade" by Jeri Smith-Ready tells the story of a teenage girl who can see ghosts. All the kids her age and younger can see them, but things get harder to deal with when her own boyfriend dies. She can see his ghost, too, and she's got to make suer he doesn't become a shade.

Aura is constantly surrounded by ghosts who want her attention. They want justice for their murders. Aura is trying to live a normal life. She has a boyfriend named Logan, and they are coming through a tough patch. It's his birthday, and they have great plans. Since his parents are out of town, they plan to spend the night together, and Aura is ready to go all the way with him.

Making the night even more special, Logan finds out that label people are coming to the concert on his birthday to check out his band. The night is a serious success, and his band has two companies eager to sign them. In all the excitement, Logan makes some poor choices, mixing alcohol and cocaine. He dies and Aura is left to cope with his death.

Her aunt tries to warn her that Logan can turn into a shade, but Aura doesn't want to listen. She desperately want to see Logan, and he seems happy to hang around, even though he doesn't appreciate the way she meets up with Zachary for their school project.

Logan continues to visit Aura at night and a month goes by. Aura and Zachary go back tot the professor and discover that they have to go back to the field to observe the night sky again. As they watch the sky, they become closer, and they almost kiss. Logan approaches Aura after she drops Zachary off, and for the first time, she sees his anger.

The family meets at the cemetery, and Logan's mother wants to know what her son needs. Those who can see him don't want him gone, but the others are grieving and ready to accept his death.

Megan takes Aura out where Logan can't go. Later, Logan comes to Aura and tells her his plan to cross over. They discover a way to appreciate their relationship physically.

Things go well for a short period even though Aura is exhausted. Zachary invites her on a date on their mutual birthday. While they are out she learns that he can actually repel ghosts. She also learns that they are being watched by the government.

Zachary and Aura eventually kiss, and Aura breaks up with Logan. He is angry and becomes a shade for a few seconds. Aura is hurt while this happens, and her pain is enough to bring him back to help her.

Early in the new year, the trial occurs. Logan's family wins and he is ready to move on during a public performance. It start well, but then he turns shade. Everyone is horrified. Aura doesn't give up on him, and month later she calls to him. Her love and trust in him bring him back.