Looking for a Halloween read-aloud even the most hesitant kid will enjoy? Or a recommendation for a teen who can’t get enough of gory slasher films? We have books for every kid, tween, teen, ghost, or witch that you may meet this spooky season. The jack-o’-lantern emoji indicates the book’s scare factor, on a scale of 1-5.
PICTURE BOOKS
Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex
What scares Darth Vader? Certainly not monsters, witches, or ghosts, and especially not the dark. So what causes the most fearsome villain in the galaxy to cower behind his mask? Read on in Adam Rex’s hilarious and spooky Star Wars tale to find out.
The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton
This picture book adaptation of the beloved movie, written and illustrated by creator Tim Burton, is perfect for bringing the story of Jack Skellington and Halloweenland to young fans and newcomers alike.
MIDDLE GRADE
DISNEY CHILLS: FIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE by Vera Strange
Disney Villains meets Goosebumps in this brand new chapter book series, where kids discover what happens when the dreams that they fear will come true, do. In Fiends on the Other Side, 12-year-old Jamal is about to find out why people say never to make a deal with the Shadow Man. Grab your night-light, dear reader, and prepare to be CHILL-ed!
TALES FROM THE HAUNTED MANSION by Amicus Arcane
In this chapter book series, Amicus Arcane, the resident librarian of the Haunted Mansion, shares spooky stories about the ghosts that roam the halls of his legendary home. What frightening fictions does this once-living librarian hold in store? And will you, foolish reader, be brave enough to listen to them all without going mad…or dying from fright?
THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING by Alexandra Bracken
A darkly delightful MG contemporary fantasy from New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken about a modern New England boy who must rid himself of the ancient demon inhabiting his body and break his family’s curse.
STUFFED by Liz Braswell
10-year-old Clark’s beloved stuffed animals protect him every night from the Monsters, but they face their biggest challenge yet when one targets Clark’s dad.
PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Fans of scary movies and horror legends will be reaching for this thrilling fantasy adventure based on the Mexican legend of La Llorona.
YOUNG ADULT
HOCUS POCUS AND THE ALL-NEW SEQUEL by A. W. Jantha
Fans of the classic Halloween movie will love returning to the world of the Sanderson sisters with this fresh retelling of the original movie, and an all-new sequel that finds the next generation of Salem teens fighting to save their town from the witches’ latest vile scheme.
EVIL THING by Serena Valentino
The captivating seventh installment in the popular Villains series follows the rise and fall of the deranged and glamorous fan favorite, Cruella De Vil. If it doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will…
#NOESCAPE by Gretchen McNeil
In this twisty, campy horror novel set in the same world as teen favorites #MurderTrending and #MurderFunding, 17-year-old Persey enters an escape room competition. But when contestants start getting killed off, Persey must solve a series of bizarre and gruesome puzzles, riddles, and games, not just to win, but to make it out alive.
