Paola, along with her other friend Dante, must venture there to find her, and meet the Niños de la Luz, a group of children who have gone missing.

Kirkus Reviews highlighted how the novel "is peppered with conversations about and instances demonstrating the vulnerability of minority populations around police and in health care," providing examples of different characters' new connections to various social justice issues.

[1] Samantha Zaboski, writing for Shelf Awareness, noted, "Tehlor Kay Mejia impresses with this moving middle-grade fantasy deeply rooted in Mexican American culture.

Pao's beautiful problem-solving mind and personal growth [...] shine, and her tension-relieving quips [...] temper heartbreaking moments."

Zaboski concluded by saying, "Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares is a satisfying follow-up, full of heart and humor that celebrates Mexican heritage, family and forgiveness.