Don't Wake Up

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Diego and his friends must face the legendary Mexican boogeyman, El Cucuy, in this fast-paced, action-packed middle grade horror that’s Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine, the sequel to Lost on Doll Island.

Stay awake. Stay alive.

After going head-to-head with a demonic doll, life for Diego now is surprisingly good. He’s settled into Mexico City, he’s joining clubs at school, and he, Jandro, and Itzel are tighter than ever. Better yet, he hasn’t dreamt of one doll since he left La Isla de las Muñecas. Though Tomas remains under Itzel’s watchful eye, “living” in her house, things finally feel normal for the three amigos.

Until kids start mysteriously falling asleep…and never waking up.

When Diego hears rumors of a boogeyman with the power to enter children’s dreams and steal their souls, he knows there’s a connection between the sleeping illness that has fallen over his school and this monster.

But beware of El Cucuy, because once you enter his domain of dreams, he’ll do everything in his power to make sure that you don’t…wake…up.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Cassandra Ramos-Gomez is a Mexican American writer focused on creating middle grade and young adult fiction that centers Latinx experiences. She has a master’s degree in education and an undergraduate degree in art history and has taught middle school language arts and social studies. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and two kids. Her hobbies include painting, collecting animal bones, and playing Minecraft with her kids.
Lost on Doll Island is her middle grade debut.

Find Cassandra on social media: @Writercass

Reviews

[Staci (stacisbookishprobs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

What a good Sequel to Doll Island! I read book 1 last year and I enjoyed my time with it! I’d say I enjoy this one even more! So spooky for a middle grade.

I loved being back with this gang. These book really shine a light on such great friendships and having your friends backs. Dealing with bullies was the main topic and I think the author handled it with such grace and care.

We also got to learn a little about El Cucuy which was so fun! I do hope there will be another book! These kids have so many more supernatural adventures they need to go on!

[Carlos Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and to Netgalley for an advance reader’s copy.

Don’t Wake Up is everything a middle-grade horror novel should be. It’s creepy, fast-paced, and full of heart. The story follows Diego and his friends, Jandro and Itzel, as they confront the legendary Mexican boogeyman, El Cucuy, after children in their community begin mysteriously falling asleep and never waking up.

Cassandra Ramos-Gomez blends Mexican folklore with suspense and adventure, creating a story that kept me turning the pages.

The characters are likable and relatable, and their friendship brings warmth and humor even as the stakes intensify. The story strikes a great balance between scares, action, and emotional depth, making it enjoyablefor younger readers while still engaging for older audiences.

The pacing is relentless and the ending left me completely satisfied.

Don’t Wake Up is a fantastic sequel and an easy five-star read. Cassandra Ramos-Gomez has quickly earned a place among my favorite authors, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Review to come closer to publication date.

[Dustin Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great follow-up to one of my new favorite middle grade horror series! I enjoyed getting to spend more time with the characters from the first Doll Island book, and also revisit some of the moments which tied into this new story nicely. The overall vibe of this second book was very surreal and dreamlike, and I found myself wondering just what was really happening throughout. I personally found the first Doll Island book to be stronger, story-wise and thematically, but this sequel is a lot of fun. Definitely recommended!