2025
WISE Score
Amazon
A summer 'punishment' at a ranch turns into a ghost-hunting mystery fueled by Cuban-Korean snacks and actual character growth.
4.4
4.4View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Adrianna Cuevas delivers a solid, modern mystery that doesn't talk down to kids. It’s got a great voice, a unique cultural mashup, and enough intrigue to keep a kid reading past their bedtime without giving them the creeps.
It’s the kind of book that makes 'summer reading' feel less like a chore and more like a discovery. If your kid liked 'Holes' but wants something with a supernatural edge, this is a winner.
Best for 8 to 12-year-olds. It’s perfect for that middle-school transition where they want something a bit more 'real' and mysterious but aren't ready for full-blown horror.
It models a healthy, supportive friendship between Rafa and Jennie and handles the 'kid sent away for trouble' trope with genuine emotional depth rather than just being a story about a bratty protagonist.
The blend of Cuban and Korean cultural elements—specifically through the lens of snacks and family traditions—adds a fresh layer to a classic ranch mystery setting.
While it features ghosts, reviews confirm it isn't gory or overly frightening for the middle-grade target audience. It's a safe bet for kids who want a mystery without the nightmares.
The book explores themes of accountability and emotional resonance, pushing readers to think about how people come to terms with transformative, sometimes difficult, life events.
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