These super scary hair-raising middle grade series runs the gamut from creepy, atmospheric graphics, stories from the scariest horror writer of all time, to true haunted horrors. Varying in scare factor, these 5 series will keep your middle grade readers busy throughout spooky season.

 

1. I.M. Dead

(Gr. 3-5)

Who is I.M. Dehd? Only the scariest horror writer of all time! Each stand-alone chapter book by the master of misery delivers a unique fright, from malicious monsters to gruesome ghouls to horrifying haunts. Fast-paced, chilling text enhanced with creepy design will send shivers down young readers’ spines. (But with plots that resolve, they’ll be scared, not scarred.) So pick up a tale and see if you can make it to the end, Dehd or alive...

2. Library of Doom Graphic Novels

By Steve Brezenoff and Daniel Mauleón
(Gr. 3-6)

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.

3. Stories to Scare Your Socks Off!

By Michael Dahl, Benjamin Harper, Megan Atwood, and Laurie S. Sutton
(Gr. 3-6)

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, campouts, 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.

4. Ghostly Graphics

By Nel Yomtov, Blake A. Hoena, Andrew Wolfe, and Jarred Lujan
(Gr. 4-6)

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!

5. You Choose: Haunted Adventures

By Megan Cooley Peterson and Ailynn Collins
(Gr. 3-5)

Travel to some of the world’s hubs of paranormal activity. Haunted hotels, cemeteries, battlefields, and castles may hold some of history’s most famous specters. Are you brave enough to face a paranormal encounter? YOU CHOOSE your own path through haunted locations!

 

For more resources, including spooky kids activities, visit our Scary Books for Kids page