Jasmine Is Haunted
by Mark Oshiro
Middle School    Starscape/Tor    256 pp.
10/24    9781250337290    $18.99
Paper ed.  9781250337313    $8.99
e-book ed.  9781250337306    $11.99

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.

From the ">January/February 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.