Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrills, chills, revelations in great horror series sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In SCHOOL BUS GRAVEYARD: VOLUME TWO, Ashlyn Banner and her classmates must figure out how to survive and escape the phantom dimension and the reality shifting cycle they are caught in. However, their simple goal of escape becomes more complicated when they realize that the phantom dimension itself is encroaching closer psychologically and now it's terrorizing their parents. Meanwhile, a secret organization remains in the shadows, observing the afflicted children with uncertain intent. Ashlyn must continue to lead her classmates with resilience, determination, and courage to be free of the horrors they face. They must also reckon with an unsettling revelation that began when they first entered the Sorrel Weed House in Savannah, Georgia.
Is It Any Good?
The highlight in this scary, thrilling, and unsettling second installment are the impressive manga-inspired illustrations. The characters in School Bus Graveyard: Volume 2 are drawn in a simplified, stylized manner that adapts to shifting settings and action scenes, and their unique proportions express humor and horror equally well. The limited color palette dominated by shadowy reds evokes the demon dimension perfectly. Red's art has a distinct feel that's all it's own. This volume has a bit more demon fighting and is slightly bloodier than Volume 1. The narrative stakes intensify with new disturbing revelations and hints at plot lines for future volumes, but important themes such as teamwork, communication, perseverance, and courage still take precedence.
Ashlyn grows more as a character and leader, as she learns to freely speak her mind with her peers. Logan and the Hernandez siblings also shine in this volume. Logan finds his voice and courage to stand up to his bully while the Hernandez siblings, Taylor and Tyler, steal the spotlight with emotional scenes at the climax. This graphic novel sequel is an intriguingly investing read as the mystery of the phantom dimension begins to unravel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how School Bus Graveyard: Volume 2 shows the characters' teamwork, communication, and perseverance to survive the phantom dimension. Why are these necessary elements important for working together in a group?
Logan found the courage to stand up to his bully and help out a fellow student who was also being bullied. The main characters continue to show courage as they navigate the phantom dimension. What was a time when you had to find courage in your life? How did showing courage change the situation?
Did reading School Bus Graveyard spark interest in the horror genre? What elements of horror interest you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Red
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Monsters ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Ink Pop
- Publication date : September 22, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback
- Last updated : September 28, 2026
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