A review by bucher_freund
The Halloween Moon by Joseph Fink

adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

3.5

Thirteen year old Esther lives for Halloween. But this year, after her bat mitzvah, her parents announce that she's too old for trick or treating. She sneaks out in costume anyway. Unfortunately for her, this Halloween her neighborhood has been put under a spell. With only her best friend Agustin, her worst enemy Sasha, and the dentist who lives across the street for help, she has to contend with a pair of weirdos in modified ice cream trucks, creepy costumed children who make clicking insect sounds to speak, and a haughty, child thieving Queen of Halloween. 

This is a middle grade novel, so the scares are all PG. The first half is very solid, with great characterization, a fully realized setting, and some inventively spooky moments. The second half flounders a bit - not all of the reveals land, and some parts drag. However, the overall theme of fearing change (i.e. growing up) is extremely well done, and there is enough Halloween flavor throughout to make this a worthwhile read.

Love the cover too. 🧡🧡