(2) YA Ever since Papi died four years ago, a ghost haunts Jasmine Garza, but she's not sure if it's Papi's or someone else's. The ghost follows Jasmine as she moves from one apartment to another, forcing her and Mami to relocate again and again. Their latest move is to East Hollywood, where they settle into a house and Jasmine starts attending a new middle school. She joins the GSA -- which she thinks is the Gay Straight Alliance, only to discover that it is the Gay Supernatural Alliance. Jasmine confides in Bea and Jorge, the other two group members, seeking their help to rid herself of the ghost. With the assistance of Jasmine's tía Selena, her mami, and Bea's parents, who are paranormal hunters, they discover that Jasmine is a nexus for dead souls, causing the souls to gravitate toward her. Through a seance, they unearth multiple souls and a family secret and bring closure to the spirits and to Jasmine. Though the ghosts are somewhat scary throughout, the final scene is positively chilling. This captivating supernatural story offers a unique perspective on death, dying, and moving on. At its heart is the importance of family, friendship, and believing in oneself.

Reviewer: Yesica Hurd | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) 4-6 Héctor Muñoz's life is upended when his family relocates from San Francisco to the ­Sacramento suburbs. He enters his new middle school with high hopes of finding his people in the drama club, only to realize that his new school is nothing like his old one, which was more diverse and accepting. Accustomed to bold fashion choices and having a larger-than-life presence, Héctor quickly finds himself at the "Table of Misfits" in the cafeteria. After he is bullied for being openly gay and Mexican American, Héctor discovers an unexpected escape in the form of a janitor's closet. The room turns out to be a magical portal to respite when it's needed--and also a means of support, as the portal transports students in similar situations from other schools to the same room. Oshiro brings readers close to the protagonist--and to common middle-school ­experiences--through a running narration of Héctor's internal dialogue. The story is infused with thoughtful references to Mexican American life in California, from Héctor's learning how to make tamales from his abuela to chilled glasses of horchata providing just what the doctor ordered while he hides from his tormentor. The story's plot is fantastical, but the lessons imparted about standing up for yourself and asking for help will resonate with anyone who has experienced bullying. An appreciation of intersectional identity and a story of resilience.

Reviewer: Nicholas A. Brown | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(3) YA Students are injured by police--and African American protagonist Moss's boyfriend is killed--in a series of escalating altercations in California's West Oakland High School. Moss, who suffers panic attacks due to his father's earlier murder by police, finds the courage to fight back. A large, diverse cast of characters and many plot threads shed light on issues related to police brutality from multiple angles, and the climax is compelling.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax