Spooktacular Tales of Every Child!
Spooktacular Tales of Every Child!
September 4, 2023
For readers who love scary books, we have the ultimate reading list of the best scary stories for kids. These 9 series are just spooky enough to be enjoyed by every child.
Our scary stories list features spine-tingling chapter books, creepy graphic novels, frightening hi-lo for striving and reluctant readers, and terrifying nonfiction – a chilling tale for every reader! As a bonus, all of these books are part of larger series so if your reader likes one, there’s many more spooky adventures to try. Here are our favorite scary stories for readers who delight in the fright and want to devour every terrifying tale. . .
Not-Too-Scary Stories For Young Readers
1. The Care and Keeping of Zombies
By Benjamin Bird
(Gr. K-2)
BRAINS…for breakfast?! Zombies have a thing or two to learn about healthy habits. Luckily, we humans are here to teach them! Like, slurp down scrambled eggs instead of scrambled brains. Or maybe try a water bath instead of a dirt bath. (Just a thought.) With oh-so ew-y illustrations and laugh-out-loud rhymes, pre-readers and early readers alike are sure to be scared silly by this unique picture book series—and pick up some healthy habits along the way.
2. Boo Books
By Benjamin Bird, John Sazaklis, Michael Dahl, and Jaclyn Jaycox
(Gr. K-2)
A scary (but not too scary) series for young readers. Boo Books puts familiar monsters in familiar settings to creep out a rotating cast of characters. What's the sound coming from upstairs? Could it be a ghost? Who's that skulking in the woods? Must be a vampire. Is the new neighbor a witch? Probably. With short chapters, easy-to-read text, and enhanced back matter, Boo Books deliver just-right frights (without the sleepless nights) for the earliest readers.
For Readers Who Love Spine-Tingling, Twisted Tales
3. Gabby Ghost Hunter
By Stephanie Faris
(Gr. 3-5)
Ten-year-old Gabby isn't scared to spend her summer break traveling with her father for his ghost-hunting podcast. After all, she doesn't believe in ghosts. She's more into science and history. It’s up to her to debunk the hauntings her dad investigates in the most haunted places in America. With each new adventure, Gabby uses her skills to figure things out . . . and finds out that sometimes, not everything can be explained.
4. Return to Ravens Pass
By Megan Atwood, Sophia Graves, Ailynn Collins, Anthony Wacholtz
(Gr. 2-3)
Return to Ravens Pass, the strange little town where nightmares come true! Capstone’s popular chapter book series is back with more spine-tingling, scary stories. From haunted hotels to alien encounters, each stand-alone tale will thrill readers. Creepy black-and-white illustrations and spooky frights will chill them to the bone.
Hi-Lo Readers Who Love Graphic Novels
5. Ghostly Graphics
By Blake Hoena, Nel Yomtov
(Gr. 2-3)
A ghost with a grudge. An eerie ship doomed to roam the seas forever. A weeping specter, and a bloody ghost. From the Bell Witch and the Flying Dutchman to La Llorona and Bloody Mary, Ghostly Graphics presents some of the most terrifying ghost stories ever told. Loaded with dynamic graphic novel illustrations and leveled text, these tales unfold with just the right amount of fright. They are sure to grab the attention of any struggling or at-level readers that dare to try them!
6. Library of Doom Graphic Novels
By Daniel Montgomery Cole Mauleón, Steve Brezenoff
(Gr. 3-4)
Step into the Library of Doom and experience it like never before . . . in graphic novel format! Featuring the mighty Librarian from the best-selling chapter books series, these original, stand-alone adventures pop off the page in gripping, full-color comic art. Readers of all abilities will eagerly follow their favorite hero as he battles wicked villains and monstrous books to keep the world safe from the forces of evil.
7. Stories to Scare Your Socks Off!
By Benjamin Harper, Laurie S. Sutton, Megan Atwood, Michael Dahl
(Gr. 3-4)
BEWARE… This series will SCARE YOUR SOCKS OFF! Each book has eight stories focused on a single, spine-chilling theme: zombies, monsters, ghosts, sorcery, and more. With fast-paced text and nightmare-inducing illustrations, young and old horror fans alike will enjoy reading (and reading aloud) these terrifying tales at sleepovers, camp-outs, Halloween, or anytime. Featuring four scream-worthy horror writers—including bestselling author Michael Dahl—these story collections are must-haves for young readers in need of a spook. Complete with beyond-the-book back matter, including discussion questions, writing prompts, and a glossary.
Truly Scary for Nonfiction Lovers
8. The Secret Lives of Cryptids
By Megan Cooley Peterson
(Gr. 2-3)
Think you know all about Bigfoot, Nessie, and other mythical monsters? Think again! Having evaded cameras and capture for decades, these cryptids have secret lives that may surprise you. Does the kraken really use its barf as bait? How fast can Mothman fly? Is the chupacabra a fan of stuffed animals? Packed with fast facts and entertaining photos, this high-interest series allows struggling readers and folklore fans alike to discover new sides of famous cryptid creatures.
9. Paranormal Tech
By Mae Respicio
(Gr. 2-3)
Could a creepy noise at night be a ghost trying to communicate? Is that shadow in the woods the legendary Bigfoot or another cryptid? Could that strange light in the sky be an alien spaceship? Investigators use cameras, telescopes, advanced sensors, and other technology to unlock the secrets of the paranormal. Find out how this gear works and how investigators use it in the deepest, darkest, and creepiest corners everywhere.