Children's Book Suggestions | HorrorUnpublished

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A trio of cousins accidentally take a wrong turn onto 13th Street and have to work together to defeat the monsters on the way home. Between the action sequences and the boss-style challenges, this is a great read for video game fans. (Bridging Fiction Grades 2-4)

A great pick for fans of this summer's The Little Mermaid movie who were really hoping for more terrifying Caribbean sea monster content. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

This illustrated novel about kids surviving a zombie apocalypse is hands-down our most popular kids horror series. With plenty of humor and an emphasis on action, it's great for readers who don't like to be too scared. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

A third-grader saves his classmates from their monstrous school in this chapter book for kids who are just ready to move up from easy readers. (Bridging Fiction Grades 2-4)

An illustrated diary-style book about a kid who discovers that his new town is literally filled with monsters. This one is definitely more funny than scary, which makes it a great pick for sensitive horror-curious readers. (Bridging Fiction Grades 2-4)

By the author of the book behind the beloved Netflix movie, Dumplin', comes a middle grade novel about the horrors of body shaming in a classic summer camp setting. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

A girl who's bullied for her family's lack of money finds a haunted doll that she hopes will help her solve her problems. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

Think Hocus Pocus but in Florida, starring a Dominican American family with a connection to the supernatural. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

A kid who wants a pet dog is cursed by a carnival game and must solve a mystery at the local zoo using his newfound ability to talk to dead animals. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

Is it too much of a stretch to call R.L. Stine the Shakespeare of children's horror fiction? Maybe, but he's still one of the most recognizable authors in children's literature. A great starting point for elementary readers who are interested in dipping their toes into the genre. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

A new series from Goosebumps author R.L. Stine using the graphic novel format to reach reluctant readers. (Children's Graphic Novels Grades 3-5)

If you were a kid in the 1980s who liked scary stories, this series by Alvin Scwartz was probably your favorite book! It was adapted into a movie (rated PG-13) in 2019 and is followed by 2 sequels. P.S. Make sure to check the illustrator info before you place those holds. Fans of the OG series usually prefer Stephen Gammell's original illustrations to Brett Helquist's updated versions from 2011. (Children's Nonfiction Age 8-12)

Sorting through the different illustrators in the catalog can be challenging, so here's the direct link to book three. (Children's Nonfiction Age 8-12)

When a kid asks you to put all the K.R. Alexander books on hold for them, you know you have a winner! While the author explores all of the popular horror tropes, from creepy dolls to creepy clowns, this one features one of my favorites: the haunted house. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

A boy-and-his-dog story...where the dog is a zombie. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

Katherine Arden is also an award-winning author of fantasy novels for adult readers, and her writing skills really elevate this series to the next level--without sacrificing kid appeal! The first book in a quartet, it was also an OBOB pick in 2021. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7).

An award-winning classic about friends, growing up, and a creepy doll. (Young Teen Grades 5-7)

Trapped in a summer camp cabin with her school bully, a middle school girl finds support from someone who's not what she seems. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

If you've worn out your copies of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and are looking for new spooky stories and urban legends, this collection of scary stories from indigenous nations throughout North America should hit the spot. (Children's Nonfiction Age 8-12)

Mary Downing Hahn writes some of the best horror books for young readers! This 1986 novel is her most famous book and was adapted into a movie in 2016 (Rated TV-14) and a graphic novel in 2022. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

The graphic novel adaptation of Mary Downing Hahn's classic chilling ghost story. (Young Teen Graphic Novel Grades 5-7)

This National Book Award finalist uses horror themes to explore family, loss, and identity through Bug, who believes a "presence" in their house is trying to send them a message after the death of a beloved uncle. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

What starts as a made-up spooky tale becomes all too real as this graphic novel series takes the time-honored tradition of telling scary stories at a sleepover and runs with it! (Young Teen Graphic Novels Grades 5-7)

Predatory alien plants take over Salt Springs Island in this triology from action-suspense author Oppel. Perfect for kids who are on track to love the Alien movies when they grow up. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

After the loss of a beloved caregiver, a tween discovers that her replacement may or may not be a witch. Reviews recommend this one as a great readalike for middle school fans of Stranger Things. (Young Teen Graphic Novels Grades 5-7)

A popular YA author writes her first book for younger readers about a girl who will lose her ability to talk to ghosts (including the spirits of beloved family members) when she turns 13. (Young Teen Grades 5-7)

A young boy is rescued by ghosts and raised in a graveyard in this award-winning novel loosely inspired by The Jungle Book. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 3-5)