Ghost Squad

Lucely Castro, a Dominican-American girl, lives with her father in St. Augustine, Florida and carries an intense fear of losing those she loves. Her best friend Syd and cat Chunk help her navigate daily life while she struggles with memories of her mother's death and works to protect her father's ghost tour business. When Lucely and Syd attempt a spell from an old family recipe book, they accidentally awaken malevolent spirits in their historic town. The girls team up with Syd's grandmother, a witch who owns the local occult shop, to combat the supernatural forces before they harm the living. The story combines Dominican folklore with themes of family bonds, friendship, and confronting grief. Through supernatural adventure and acts of bravery, the characters learn about the power of ancestry and the strength found in facing fears together.

Readers describe Ghost Squad as a heartfelt middle-grade supernatural story that balances spooky elements with themes of family and friendship. The Dominican cultural elements and references resonate with many young readers who see their heritage represented. Likes: - Strong female friendships and family bonds - Accessible blend of scary moments and humor - Authentic portrayal of Dominican culture and traditions - Fast-paced plot that keeps kids engaged Dislikes: - Some found the ghost-hunting scenes predictable - A few readers wanted more character development - Several noted the story takes time to build momentum - Parents of sensitive children cautioned about scary elements Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) BookPage: 5/5 "Perfect balance of spooky and sweet" - School Library Journal "The cultural elements felt natural and weren't over-explained" - middle school librarian on Goodreads "My 9-year-old couldn't put it down" - Amazon reviewer

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🎃 Ghost Squad was partly inspired by the author's Dominican heritage and her grandmother's stories of spirits, curanderos, and healing practices. 🌟 The book's main character, Lucely Luna, is named after the Spanish word "luz" (meaning light) - a tribute to those who light the way for others. 👻 Many of the firefly spirits in the story are based on real family members of the author, incorporating their actual personalities and characteristics. 📚 The story takes place in St. Augustine, Florida, which is known as America's oldest city and is famous for its real-life ghost tours and haunted history. 🔮 The Babette's Book Shop featured in the novel was inspired by an actual bookstore in St. Augustine called Wolf's Head Books, though the real shop has since closed.