In the eerie, captivating middle-grade novel A Little Too Haunted by Justine Pucella Winans (The Otherwoods), Luna Catalano--only child and self-described paranormal scholar--faces IBS, her first crush, and the supernatural.
Luna's moms are "influencers" who use their psychic powers and renovation skills to flip "haunted" houses into "warm, modern, ghost-free homes." When the 13-year-old true believer discovers her moms have been faking their footage, she furiously outs them on social media. The trio moves onto their "rebrand" project, a huge old house in Ohio, only to discover this house might actually be haunted: "GET OUT" is written on the ceiling in "dripping, dark red" and her parents' camera equipment is burned on the stove. Luna's moms don't believe in ghosts--they think Luna is causing the havoc--but Luna is certain of the supernatural. Meanwhile, Luna meets Evie, a woman who is very knowledgeable about the home's previous tenants, and disbelieving neighbor Dani who, despite her apprehensions, helps Luna hatch a plan to exorcise the ghosts and reclaim the house.
Winans authentically captures a range of middle school emotions through "winter white" Luna's stubborn retorts ("I'm not in a mood"), playful quips, and desperate desire to feel seen. The text uses grace and humor to thoughtfully navigate Luna's chronic IBS symptoms ("struggling to go to the bathroom or struggling to stop") and her newfound crush (when the girl asks if she's okay, Luna blurts, "I'm gayt. I'm great. Fine. Awesome."). Fans of Dusti Bowling and Ashley Herring Blake will likely appreciate the funny, honest narration and approach to hard truths in this suspenseful, uplifting mystery. --Kieran Slattery, freelance reviewer, teacher, co-creator of Gender Inclusive Classrooms