Review Detail

Halloween Ball by Cargill continues Bea Black’s story in a way that feels both fun and a little stressful in a good way.

Bea is still stuck at witch school even though she doesn’t really want to be there, and now she has to help plan the Halloween Ball, which is a huge deal. I liked how the book shows her trying to come up with ideas while also worrying about her magic and keeping it secret from her dad. It makes the story feel more real because she is juggling a lot at once, just like a normal kid would, except with magic added in.

The diary format really works well in this book. It makes everything feel personal, like you are inside Bea’s head hearing her honest thoughts, mistakes, and little jokes. I especially liked how she sometimes corrects herself or reacts to what she just wrote, because it makes her feel natural and not perfect. The illustrations also helped break up the text and made the story more engaging. They added to the humor and made certain moments stand out more, especially during the Halloween Ball planning.

Personally, I think the best part of the book is Bea herself. She can be unsure, a little stubborn, and sometimes overwhelmed, but she keeps trying anyway. That made me root for her more. I also liked how the story focuses on finding where you belong, even if it’s not where you expected to be. The mix of school drama, friendship, and magic keeps it interesting without being too complicated. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and easy read that feels cozy but still has enough excitement to keep you turning the pages.