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librarymouse's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed reading this. It reminded me of a combination of the Scary Godmother movies and The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury, with some added flair of a heist novel. There's a quirk to middle grade that goes away in YA and adult fiction, where there are fun and interesting work arounds to avoid killing off characters. I liked having a reprieve from character death. This book also does a good job addressing bullying and anger issues without becoming a PSA. Esther is a fun character, and I was very much like her as a Halloween-obsessed youth (minus the scary movies. I do not like visual gore). Fink weaves a really fun and pleasantly spooky narrative about growing up and learning to face your fears, and I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a middle grade fantasy novel for a middle grader or otherwise! My only critique is that thirteen is most definitely not too old to be trick or treating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Violence, and Bullying
Minor: Antisemitism
If you deal with existential anxiety in any way, heads up about that.morganperks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Bullying, Abandonment, Violence, and Antisemitism
Minor: Alcohol
megj23's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism and Bullying
navayiota's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another great book by Joseph Fink. I loved reading about Esther's Halloween adventure, which got me super excited for October 31st. The book also got me interested in learning about Judaism, which is awesome! I got very attached to the extremely loveable characters, and I'll be sure to recommend this book to others who would love them too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Abandonment, Antisemitism, and Bullying
Minor: Alcohol
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