Are you looking for books to give your kids a thrilling reading experience? Then look no further than scary books.
Scary books for children are a unique genre that can spark their imagination, pique their curiosity, and even teach them valuable lessons. They typically feature supernatural elements, monsters, ghosts, or other spooky creatures that captivate and excite young minds.
But why might kids like scary stories?
At first glance, it may seem like a bad idea. But these creepy stories can provide an escape from reality and allow children to explore their fears in a safe environment. They also help kids develop their critical thinking skills and encourage them to ask questions and seek answers.
As an educator, camp counselor, and parent of three, I have a knack for picking out books kids will love.
That’s why I have put together a list of the 50 best scary books for children that are appropriate for young readers. Most of the books on this list are most appropriate for readers ages 8-12, and middle school readers. Use your best judgment when selecting books for your kids.
From classic books to contemporary spooky tales, this list has it all. So, without further ado, let’s discover some spine-tingling reads!
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a collection of horror stories for children written by folklorist Alvin Schwartz and originally published in 1981. The book features a variety of short stories that are based on folklore and urban legends and are designed to be told aloud to scare and entertain listeners.
The book is known for its dark and eerie illustrations by Stephen Gammell, which add to the book’s overall spooky atmosphere. The stories have become a staple of children’s horror literature and have been adapted into several formats, including a film and a TV series. Despite some controversy over the book’s content and whether it is appropriate for children, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark has remained a popular and influential book in the horror genre for younger middle grade readers, typically ages 8-12.
Goosebumps series
Goosebumps is a popular series of horror fiction chapter books for children, written by R.L. Stine and first published in 1992. The series consists of over 60 books, including “Night of the Living Dummy”, “Werewolf of Fever Swamp” and “Say Cheese and Die!” which feature a variety of scary and supernatural stories that appeal to young readers.
The books are known for their suspenseful plots, cliffhangers, and unexpected twists, as well as their colorful and often humorous illustrations. The series has spawned several adaptations, including a TV series, films, and a video game, and has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of copies sold worldwide. The Goosebumps series is credited with popularizing horror fiction for children and inspiring a generation of young people to embrace the genre. Each chapter end in a little bit of a cliffhanger, encouraging kids to read more and more. The books are appropriate for younger audiences in the 8-12 age range.
Coraline
Coraline by Neil Gaiman is a fascinating horror book for children that explores the themes of identity, bravery, and family. The story is about the main character Coraline, a little girl who moves into a new home and discovers a mysterious door that leads to an alternate world where she meets her “Other Mother” and “Other Father.”
While initially thrilled with the new world, Coraline soon realizes that it is a dark and dangerous place where her “Other Mother” wants to keep her trapped forever. The book is a thrilling and imaginative read that is sure to captivate young readers. The book is appropriate for readers in the 8-12 age range.
The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is a spooky and atmospheric novel that is both a coming-of-age story and a ghost story. The book follows Nobody Owens, a boy who grows up in a graveyard among ghosts and other supernatural creatures after his family is murdered.
The book is filled with memorable characters, from the mysterious Silas to the ghostly inhabitants of the graveyard, and is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the meaning of family. The book is appropriate for readers in the 8-12 age range.
Bunnicula
Bunnicula by James Howe is a playful and lighthearted mystery story that follows the adventures of a vampire rabbit named Bunnicula.
The book is filled with humor and wit, and young readers are sure to enjoy the antics of Bunnicula and his human companions as they try to solve the mystery of the disappearing vegetables. The book is appropriate for readers in the 8-12 age range.
The Witches
The Witches by Roald Dahl is a classic horror book for children that is both scary and funny. The book follows the adventures of a young boy named Luke who discovers that witches are real and that they are plotting to turn all the children in England into mice.
The book is filled with unforgettable characters, from the Grand High Witch to Luke’s grandmother, and is sure to keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
The Ghost Belonged to Me
The Ghost Belonged to Me by Richard Peck is a charming ghost story that follows the adventures of a boy named Alexander and the ghost of a young Confederate soldier named Jeb Stuart. The book is filled with humor, heart, and historical details, and is sure to captivate young readers who love a good ghost story.
Christmas Dinner of Souls
Christmas Dinner of Souls is a horror novella by British author Ross Montgomery. The story follows a young girl named Tess who, after being dared by her friends, steals a mysterious key from her neighbor’s house. She then discovers that the key unlocks a door to a dark and terrifying world where the spirits of the dead are trapped and hungry for revenge.
As Tess tries to survive in this nightmare realm, she realizes that she is not alone and must face the consequences of her actions. The book is aimed at children aged 9-12 and is known for its spooky and atmospheric storytelling. The book is aimed at children aged 9-12 and is known for its spooky and atmospheric storytelling.
Small Spaces
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden is a spooky children’s horror novel that tells the story of a young girl named Ollie who goes on a school field trip to a farm that seems strange and sinister.
When Ollie discovers a book that tells a terrifying story about the farm, she realizes that the farm may not be what it seems, and she must use all her courage and wit to save herself and her friends. The book has won multiple awards and has been praised for its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful plot. (8-12 years)
The Jumbies
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste is a gripping fantasy novel that takes place in the Caribbean and follows the story of a young girl named Corinne who must outsmart a group of supernatural beings known as the jumbies.
As Corinne tries to uncover the secrets of her island, she discovers that her mother may have had a connection to the jumbies and must use her wits and bravery to protect her family and friends. The book has been praised for its unique cultural references and its portrayal of strong and smart female characters.(8-12 years)
City of Ghosts
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab is a haunting paranormal novel that follows the story of Cassidy, a young girl who can see ghosts, as she travels with her family to Edinburgh, Scotland.
As Cassidy learns more about her abilities and encounters new ghosts in this scary story, she discovers that there is a sinister force that threatens to harm both the living and the dead, and she must use all her skills to stop it. The book has been praised for its spooky atmosphere and vivid descriptions of Edinburgh. (9-13 years)
The Bone Houses
The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones is an exciting fantasy novel that follows the story of a young gravedigger named Ryn who lives in a town where the dead come back to life as bone houses.
Ryn teams up with a mapmaker named Ellis to solve the mystery of the bone houses and stop them from attacking her town. The book has been praised for its immersive world-building, engaging characters, and its exploration of themes such as death and grief. (12-17 years)
The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street
The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie is a children’s horror novel that tells the story of a young girl named Tessa who moves into a haunted house with her family.
As Tessa tries to uncover the secrets of the house, she discovers that it may have a connection to her own family’s past, and she must use her bravery and intelligence to save herself and her loved ones. The book has been praised for its suspenseful plot, relatable characters, and its exploration of themes such as friendship and forgiveness. (8-12 years)
The Night Gardener
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier is a chilling children’s horror novel that follows the story of two orphaned siblings who work as servants for a mysterious family in a haunted house.
As the siblings try to unravel the secrets of the house and its creepy gardener, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust each other. The book has been praised for its atmospheric writing, creepy illustrations, and its exploration of themes such as family and loyalty. (10-14 years)
Doll Bones
Doll Bones by Holly Black is a captivating children’s horror novel that tells the story of three friends who go on a quest to bury a haunted doll in order to put its ghost to rest.
As the friends embark on their adventure, they encounter many obstacles and must learn to confront their fears and rely on each other. The book has been praised for its imaginative storyline, complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as friendship and growing up. (10-14 years)
Fearsome Creatures
Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods by Hal Johnson and Tom Mead is a children’s book published in 2015. The book is a collection of tall tales and legends about mythical creatures from the American wilderness, including the fearsome Snoligoster and the elusive Hodag. With its vivid illustrations and humorous writing style, the book is a fun and engaging read for kids and adults alike.
Half-Minute Horrors
Half-Minute Horrors edited by Susan Rich is a collection of short horror stories for children published in 2009. The book features contributions from various authors and illustrators, including R.L. Stine and Neil Gaiman, and has been praised for its diverse range of scary tales, from haunted houses to creepy dolls. With its bite-sized stories and spooky illustrations, the book is perfect for young horror fans looking for a quick scare.
Creepy Carrots!
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown is a children’s picture book published in 2012. The book tells the story of a young rabbit who becomes convinced that the carrots in his garden are following him, leading him to take drastic measures to get rid of them. With its clever storyline and dark humor, the book has become a favorite among children and adults alike.
In a Dark, Dark, Room
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz is a children’s book published in 1984. The book is a collection of spooky stories and folktales, including the popular story “The Green Ribbon,” which has become a classic of children’s horror literature. With its eerie illustrations and spine-tingling stories, the book is sure to give young readers a scare.
The Dark-Thirty
The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural by Patricia C. McKissack is a collection of horror stories for children published in 1992. The book features stories set in the American South, drawing on the region’s rich history and folklore to create a chilling and atmospheric collection of tales. With its vivid writing and haunting imagery, the book is a must-read for fans of ghost stories and supernatural horror.
The Monstrous Book of Monsters
The Monstrous Book of Monsters by Libby Hamilton is a children’s book published in 2018. The book is a collection of monster stories from around the world, including tales from Japan, Mexico, and Scotland. With its diverse range of stories and colorful illustrations, the book is a great introduction to different cultures and their legends of terrifying creatures.
Nightmares!
Nightmares! edited by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller is a children’s book published in 2014. The book tells the story of a young boy named Charlie who must confront his worst nightmares in a mysterious dream world, with the help of his friends and a mysterious guide. With its imaginative storyline and relatable characters, the book is a great read for kids who love adventure and scares.
The Lockwood & Co
The Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud is a thrilling combination of fantasy and horror that captivates readers with its compelling storyline and detailed world-building. The characters are well-developed and engaging, and readers will find themselves rooting for their favorite ghost hunters as they battle against the supernatural forces that threaten their world.
The Monstrumologist
The Monstrumologist series by Rick Yancey is a chilling horror series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions of monsters and suspenseful storytelling create a sense of terror that is hard to shake off. The relationship between the main characters is also a highlight of the series, as their mentor-apprentice dynamic evolves over the course of the books.
The Last Kids on Earth
The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that mixes humor and horror in equal measure. The post-apocalyptic setting provides a thrilling backdrop for the story, and readers will be rooting for the kids as they face off against hordes of zombies and other monsters. The illustrations in the books are also a standout feature, adding a visual element that enhances the reading experience.
The Shadow House
The Shadow House series by Dan Poblocki is a haunting horror series that will send shivers down readers’ spines. The mysterious and eerie atmosphere of the shadow house is expertly crafted, and the characters’ journey to uncover its secrets is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The series also explores themes of friendship and betrayal, adding a layer of depth to the story.
The Witching Hours
The Witching Hours series by Jack Henseleit is a spooky and engaging horror series that is perfect for young readers who love a good scare. The Midnight family’s funeral home for supernatural creatures is a unique and intriguing setting, and the stories are filled with imaginative monsters and eerie happenings. The characters are also well-crafted, making readers invested in their adventures and eager to see what happens next.
The Unadoptables
The Unadoptables series by Hana Tooke is a heartwarming and inspiring historical fiction series that follows a group of orphans as they navigate the challenges of their difficult lives. The characters are lovable and relatable, and readers will be rooting for them as they face obstacles and uncover secrets from their past. The historical setting is also well-researched and vividly brought to life, immersing readers in a bygone era.
The Blackthorn Key
The Blackthorn Key series by Kevin Sands is a fascinating and intricate historical fiction and mystery series set in 17th century London. The books are filled with intrigue, adventure, and secret societies, and the apothecary apprentice protagonist is a compelling and relatable character. The series also provides a glimpse into the world of alchemy and herbal medicine, adding an educational element to the story.
The House with Chicken Legs
The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson: Marinka, a young girl living in a house with chicken legs that can move, is being trained to become the next Yaga, who guides the dead into the afterlife. But Marinka longs to have a normal life with friends, which becomes even more complicated when she befriends a living boy who may not be able to handle the truth about her life.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill: Luna, a young girl who accidentally drinks moonlight and gains magical powers, sets out to put an end to the town’s cruel tradition of sacrificing babies to a witch who is actually kind. Along the way, she learns more about herself and the magic within her.
The Screaming Staircase
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud: Lucy, Anthony, and George are ghost hunters who investigate a haunted mansion and uncover a sinister plot that could endanger all of London. As they work together to solve the mystery, they must also navigate their own relationships and trust issues.
Nightbooks
Nightbooks by J.A. White: Alex and Yasmin must use their love of storytelling to outsmart a witch who has kidnapped them and forces them to write new scary stories every night. But as they work together to escape, they begin to realize that their stories may have a greater impact than they ever could have imagined.
The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon
The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon by Jonny Duddle: The Jolley-Rogers must navigate a haunted house and a vengeful ghost in order to save their new home. Along the way, they learn important lessons about bravery, family, and the power of storytelling.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: Kit must navigate the strict Puritan society of colonial New England while also coming to terms with her own identity and beliefs. Along the way, she befriends a Quaker woman and a young sailor, but must also contend with accusations of witchcraft that could endanger her life.
Wait Till Helen Comes
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn: Molly and her family must confront the ghost of a young girl who died in a fire and is determined to drive them out of their new home. As they learn more about Helen’s tragic past, they also begin to understand the importance of family and forgiveness.
The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
The Nest by Kenneth Oppel: Steve must confront his fears and anxieties in order to save his baby brother from a mysterious illness. But as he becomes more involved with the wasp-like creatures who offer a cure, he begins to question whether the cost is worth it.
The Witch Boy
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag: Aster must navigate the strict gender roles of his magical community in order to embrace his true identity and follow his own path. Along the way, he befriends a non-magical girl and learns important lessons about acceptance and the power of individuality.
The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency
The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency by Jordan Stratford: Ada Lovelace and Mary Shelley team up to solve crimes in Victorian London, using their intelligence, wit, and love of science to unravel mysteries and catch criminals. The Case of the Missing Moonstone is just the beginning of their adventures together.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a short story written by Washington Irving in 1820. The story is set in the late 18th century and tells the tale of a superstitious schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane, who competes with another man for the hand of a wealthy woman named Katrina Van Tassel.
The story is known for its spooky and mysterious atmosphere, and for its famous antagonist, the Headless Horseman. The story is suitable for a wide range of ages, but its level of scariness may vary depending on the individual reader. It is often included in collections of classic American literature and is generally considered appropriate for middle school and high school students.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
“The House with a Clock in Its Walls” is a novel written by John Bellairs and first published in 1973. It tells the story of a young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt who goes to live with his uncle in a mysterious old house. The house is filled with strange and magical objects, and Lewis soon discovers that his uncle is a wizard. Together, they must stop a powerful evil force from destroying the world.
Remember Me
“Remember Me” by Christopher Pike is a supernatural thriller that centers around the story of a teenage girl named Shari Cooper, who dies in a boating accident but returns as a ghost to solve her own murder. It has elements of romance, mystery, and horror that make it an engaging and entertaining read for young adults. Other books by Christopher Pike that could be suitable for middle school students include “The Last Vampire” series, “Chain Letter,” and “The Midnight Club.”
Horror and scary stories can be a thrilling and exciting genre for middle school students to explore. With the variety of books available, there is something for every reader’s taste, from classic tales to contemporary stories.
Through reading these books, students can learn how to face their fears and develop critical thinking skills.
While the genre may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth considering for those who are looking for a thrilling reading experience.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
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