Three cousins find themselves fighting a horde of bats.Cousins Malia, Ivan, and Dante are spending the summer at Aunt Lucy's house, located in fictional Gulf City's Little Mexico neighborhood. The day is full of promise, as the children plan to visit the neighborhood's water park. As they walk to the attraction, an old woman they meet on the way suggests they take a shortcut through an alley behind a bakery, but the street they emerge on-13th Street-is empty. Feeling lost, Malia uses her phone's map app and realizes they're no longer en route to the pool. Instead, they've been transported to a strange place infested by huge bats with astonishingly bad breath. The cousins must use Dante's video game experience, Ivan's creativity, Malia's leadership, and the help of some fantastical characters to survive the terrifying bats and return home to Aunt Lucy's house. Bowles gently introduces a sprinkling of Spanish vocabulary throughout this chapter book. Encouraging messages greet readers after some chapters, along with occasional progress markers. In addition, a summary of the number of chapters, pages, and words read gives readers a sense of accomplishment at the conclusion, and the three protagonists speak directly to readers, encouraging them to take up another book. Three additional activities aim to further readers' engagement with the story and develop critical reading skills.An exciting series opener that should whet readers' appetites for more. (Horror. 6-10)

Gr 1-5 Malia and her two cousins are spending the summer with Aunt Lucy in Gulf City. On the way to the local water park, the kids take a "shortcut" down a creepy street that does not show up on Malia's phone map. On spooky 13th Street, they meet giant bats with evil intentions. In a plot reminiscent of a video game, the cousins must rely on friendly monster allies as they use their wits to battle and defeat the Snatch Bats. Will our heroes escape 13th Street or will they be overpowered by this larger-than-life enemy? The third series to be released in the new HarperChapters line, this book speaks to kids who enjoy a scare. This early readers' program has a Guided Reading Level of L/M, making it perfect for children just transitioning to chapter books as well as older reluctant readers. The book, under 100 pages, uses large type and margins. It features milestone markers to encourage readers to keep going, related activities, and comic-like illustrations with some color on every spread. Featuring a Mexican American cast, Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the narrative, easily defined by context clues. The story contains frightening elements, but it's not the stuff of nightmares; it strikes just the right balance for the target audience. VERDICT From the enticing cover to the cliff-hanger chapter endings, this series is meant to encourage reading and boost confidence and skills. Kate Nafz, Fair Lawn Public Library, NJ