TOTALLY POPULAR

Both a dangerous poltergeist and the pitfalls of preconceived notions trouble a middle school spirit medium in this sequel to Totally Psychic (2023).

Paloma Ferrer, who still misses life in Miami with Abuela and the rest of her extended family, is irritated to return from winter break to find herself sharing classes in Rancho Cucamonga, California, with Rafaela de La Cruz. Rafaela and her mom co-star in Ghostlight, a wildly popular TV series dedicated to promoting the absurd proposition that ghosts aren’t real. Paloma initially rebuffs her new classmate’s friendly advances, but scary visions of a malign child coupled with increasingly violent poltergeist episodes that are seemingly connected to Rafaela force her to change her tune. Being dedicated to using her powers for good, Paloma enlists both living and spectral allies in a search for a way to help—and discovers that she and Rafaela have much in common. By the end, the two, like the ghosts that throng Martin’s diverse cast, have become friends. In keeping with the tale’s benign tone, the focus is more on problem-solving than pain or terror. Younger or more suggestible ghost story fans will appreciate the fact that no one is actually injured, despite a fair amount of property damage, and that, following a brief climax, the angry spirit is quelled not by force but a reconciliation ritual.

More feel-good friend-making, dished up with generous quantities of ectoplasm.