Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spooky, exciting tale of girls tracking a murdering monster.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
TALES FROM CABIN 23: THE BOO HAG FLEX starts at Camp Apple Hill where camper Elaina is homesick and hating camp. She follows her counselor into a thick fog and ends up at cabin 23, where a witch offers her a tale, or to battle the fog; she chooses a tale. The witch tells her about Tasha, a tween girl who moves to a trailer park to live with her dad and grandmother after her mom passes away. Tasha's father, John, can't be bothered to take care of her or even really get to know her, but Tasha is finding her way. Her grandma is nice, her dad's girlfriend, Kim, is sweet, and her new spunky friend Ellie is as loyal as they come. But the sudden string of deaths around the park don't make sense. Tasha and Ellie investigate, thinking that a ghost could be murdering people. When they read the story of the boo hag, a monster that skins people, they set out to find out who the boo hag is before there's another victim—trying not to become victims themselves.
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling and spooky story will have readers biting their nails as Tasha and Ellie race to unmask the boo hag. Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex is perfect for a night of scary stories with a twist about who gets to count as a trusted adult. Justina Ireland's book also has heartfelt moments where Tasha connects with those who care about her, scenes that'll resonate with readers who feel as alone as Tasha does at the beginning. The mostly Black cast of characters and Southern mythology informing the story make for a culturally connected horror story the genre sorely needs. The framing story is the only strange aspect of the book—that it begins and ends at a summer camp isn't quite explained and doesn't quite make sense. Perhaps later installments will fill in this part of the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how scary it can be to find out that an adult in your life isn't trustworthy. How can you identify which adults are reliable? How does this book show which adults are reliable for Tasha and which ones aren't?
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Tasha and Ellie see some gruesome things in their investigation. How did you feel about the violence in this story? Was it too much, or just right? Is reading about gory things different from seeing them in a movie or on television?
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Tasha's dad, John, isn't a great father to Tasha. He doesn't make an effort to spend time with her, leaves her to go drink with his friends at a bar, and springs his relationship with Kim on her. Tasha tries to process her feelings toward John and how he makes her feel. What helps her?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Friendship , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : May 14, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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