A review by pagingmrsvarnum
The Cursed Moon by Angela Cervantes

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? No

4.0

This is a fantastic scary story for Middle Grade readers, featuring great representation and well-developed characters. I especially loved Rafa, the main character, and the rich dynamics between him and his sister, abuelos, and friends. He thrives on telling scary stories—until his tales start coming true, putting the people he loves in danger. At the same time, he’s grappling with his mother’s imminent release from jail and the uncertainty of how her return will change his life.

I think many young readers will enjoy this book because it embraces a love for scary stories while delivering a suspenseful yet age-appropriate climax that doesn’t feel watered down. I also appreciate that it’s fast-paced and the perfect length for young readers who prefer engaging, quick reads. I’ll definitely be recommending this the next time a student asks for a scary book… which will probably be tomorrow!