Common Sense Media Review
Comedic mystery has comic book violence, scares in fun read.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PIÑATA starts, Jorge is finally starting to feel at home in his new town, but then his friends tell him about the legend of the haunted piñata, which sets green fires around town every six years. Then, Liza's family's bakery burns down. Did the haunted piñata do it? Jorge and his friends decide think so. They'll have to move quickly to stop it before it scares Liza and Ernie's parents into moving away!
Is It Any Good?
This middle-grade mystery amuses with comedic dialogue and fun illustrations. Kids may enjoy Chupacarter and the Haunted Piñata for the laugh out loud moments, pop culture references, and general middle school goofiness. They might also appreciate the distinct personalities from Jorge's friend group, and the way the book tackles loneliness and friendship. But for a middle grade book, the violence and scariness is fairly intense, with characters out to kill kids and arson that destroys family's livelihoods and homes. For kids not likely to focus on that, this will likely be a fun read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the illustrations in ChupaCarter and the Haunted Piñata. Do they help you imagine the story better? Why or why not?
According to rumor, the spirit haunting the piñata died right after being bullied at his 13th birthday party. How could the kids at his school have reacted to the boy's unkindness and creepiness without being so mean in return?
How do Jorge and his friends demonstrate curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork to solve the mystery of the green fires? When was a time when you were helped by using curiosity, perseverance or teamwork? What happened?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Santy Gutierrez
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School ) , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 30, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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