Sharing books is one of my greeatest joys especially if I find a new book and it inspires someone to sit down and read. I’m so happy to be able to say I did that this weekend with not only David but Bradley to when I showed Charlie Don’t Wake Up a new book I had recieved.
With Halloween just around the corner, I’ve been looking for a few different things to add to our Halloween book basket I make for Charlie and Davids And today, I want to share a book with you that might be perfect for the teens in your household who enjoy a good scare! Which is why you will find it inside our Interactive Halloween Gift Guide.
The book is Don’t Wake Up (Doll Island) by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez. I received a copy in exchange for this review, and inside this post is my affiliate link. If you use the link and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the products you purchase.
Now, before we go any further, let me explain something. If you saw the front cover of this book, with that creepy skeleton kind of hidden in the background, you might wonder what in the world I’m doing with a book like this! LOL Truthfully I’ve been asking myself this as well.
I didn’t ask for this book because I planned to curl up and read it myself. If I did, I probably wouldn’t sleep for a hundred years! I’m not a horror reader, and creepy dolls are definitely not my idea of a relaxing evening. But Charlie and David? I can picture both of them sitting down to read this one As well as Bradley.
I chose it with Charlie in mind because Halloween is coming, and I wanted to find something a little different to put in his Halloween food bucket. I thought a book might be a fun way to encourage a little reading while giving him something that fits the spooky season. And a story about a scary doll certainly fits the bill! But I can also tell you if Suzzane was here she would be like me and pass on this book.
For those of us that hadn’t heard of the book Don’t Wake Up is the sequel to Lost on Doll Island, and it takes readers back into the frightening world of Diego and his friends. My family hasn’t read the first book and I don’t plan to but I would like to get a copy for the guys for Halloween to go inside there boo bucket as well.
In the book we learn after surviving a terrifying encounter with a possessed doll on a haunted island, Diego’s life is finally getting back to normal. He’s settled into Mexico City, joined clubs at school, and is spending time with his friends Jandro and Itzel. Best of all, he hasn’t dreamed about a single doll since leaving La Isla de las Muñecas.
Things are looking up for the three amigos! And speaking of the three amigos, doesn’t that expression take you back to the Three Musketeers? It does for me! Unfortunately, their peaceful lives don’t stay peaceful for long. Which I didn’t think it would. Did you?
In the book children begin mysteriously falling asleep and not waking up. When Diego hears rumors about a legendary Mexican boogeyman named El Cucuy, who can enter children’s dreams and steal their souls, he begins to suspect that this terrifying creature is connected to the strange illness affecting his school.
Now Diego and his friends must face another frightening mystery. And here’s the warning from the story: once El Cucuy draws you into his world of dreams, he intends to keep you there. Stay awake. Stay alive. Oh, my goodness! Just reading that description makes me want to turn on every light in the house! How about you?
One thing I appreciate about books is that there are so many different kinds of stories available for readers. Some people want romance. Others love mysteries, adventures, fantasy, or stories that make them laugh. And then there are readers who enjoy being scared silly!
This book falls into that last category. It’s a middle-grade horror novel with a Mexican legend at the heart of the story, mixing supernatural suspense with friendship and adventure. The legend of El Cucuy gives the story a cultural element that may also spark a reader’s curiosity about Mexican folklore.
Although I haven’t sat down to read the entire story myself which I don’t intend to do, the premise offers plenty for someone who enjoys spooky adventures, mysterious happenings, and supernatural creatures. Since this is the second book in the Doll Island series, readers who enjoy continuing adventures may want to explore Lost on Doll Island first to learn how Diego’s frightening journey began. And parents who are considering this book for younger readers may want to check the description and age suitability for their individual child, especially since the story includes frightening supernatural themes.
When I was thinking about what to include in Charlie’s Halloween food bucket, I wanted something a little different from the usual treats. Candy is fun, of course, but why not include a book, too? As a parent, I believe encouraging reading is important, even when our children’s reading choices aren’t necessarily the same as ours.
I don’t have to enjoy horror to recognize that a teen who loves spooky stories might be excited to receive one as a gift. And who knows? Maybe putting a book into a Halloween bucket will encourage someone to spend a little time reading instead of reaching for another screen. That’s a win in my book!
I can also imagine David enjoying this story. Between the creepy doll, the mysterious sleeping children, and the legendary boogeyman, there’s plenty here for someone who likes supernatural adventures. Me? I’ll be over here with my coffee, thank you very much!
After Charlie seeing the book on my desk I wanted to let you know if I would recommend Don’t Wake Up? I would if you’re looking for a Halloween gift for a teen or a young reader who enjoys horror, supernatural mysteries, and spooky adventures, Don’t Wake Up (Doll Island) may be worth considering.
I especially like the idea of including a book in a Halloween gift basket or food bucket. It’s a way to make the gift more personal and perhaps introduce a reader to a new series. Plus, if they sit down and read for 10 minutes they will earn a ticket in our Reading Challenege.
Just remember that this is a scary story, not a sweet little bedtime tale. The creepy doll and El Cucuy’s dream-stealing abilities are part of what makes the premise frightening, so consider the reader’s age and comfort level before choosing it. As for me, I’m happy to leave the scary reading to Charlie and David!
If you’re looking for something different to give a horror-loving teen this Halloween, take a closer look at Don’t Wake Up by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez. And if you decide to read it, you’ll have to tell me how it turns out. Just don’t come knocking on my door in the middle of the night to tell me about the creepy doll! LOL
Ready to explore this spooky story?
Diego and his friends must face the legendary Mexican boogeyman, El Cucuy, in this fast-paced, action-packed middle grade horror that’s Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine, the sequel to Lost on Doll Island.
Stay awake. Stay alive.
After going head-to-head with a demonic doll, life for Diego now is surprisingly good. He’s settled into Mexico City, he’s joining clubs at school, and he, Jandro, and Itzel are tighter than ever. Better yet, he hasn’t dreamt of one doll since he left La Isla de las Muñecas. Though Tomas remains under Itzel’s watchful eye, “living” in her house, things finally feel normal for the three amigos.
Until kids start mysteriously falling asleep…and never waking up.
When Diego hears rumors of a boogeyman with the power to enter children’s dreams and steal their souls, he knows there’s a connection between the sleeping illness that has fallen over his school and this monster.
But beware of El Cucuy, because once you enter his domain of dreams, he’ll do everything in his power to make sure that you don’t…wake…up.
Disclosure: I received Don’t Wake Up (Doll Island) by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez in exchange for an honest review. This post contains an Amazon affiliate link, which means Greatful Moments may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
What Goes in a Teen Boo Basket?
Want to surprise a teen this Halloween without spending a fortune? Put together a Boo Basket filled with a few favorite things, something fun to read, and a reminder that someone cares. Use this free checklist to create your own!
🎁 Your Boo Basket Checklist
Try a teen fiction chapter book like Don’t Wake Up (Doll Island) by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez.
Let them choose a drink and a snack they love. Pick an amount that fits your budget.
Choose their favorites instead of buying a big, expensive assortment.
Look for a positive message like “You Got This!” They can display it in their bedroom long after Halloween.
Tell them why they’re special to you. Sometimes a few heartfelt words mean more than an expensive gift.
Use an inexpensive basket, a gift bag, or a container you already have at home.
💰 An Example Budget Under $20
Here is one possible way to plan your spending. These are suggested budget targets, not verified store prices.
Prices vary. Look for a discounted book, use a container you already own, or adjust the gift card and candy to fit your budget. You can also make substitutions to keep the total under $20.
Charlie’s encouraging sign from Mardel’s cost less than $2, but it gives him something he can keep. That’s the beauty of a thoughtful gift: it doesn’t have to be expensive to mean something.
📚 Don’t Forget Our 10-Minute Reading Challenge!
Teens can participate, too! Set aside 10 minutes to read, enjoy a book you choose, and follow the challenge instructions to earn a reading challenge ticket. Reading should be fun for the whole family.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to let someone know they’re loved. A little thought, a few favorite treats, and something they can keep can make Halloween extra special.
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
