Spooky Books for All Ages
October 19, 2022
I’m into whoever invented the term Spooky Season. I don’t particularly love the few hours that are Halloween itself, but I love theme parties, dressing up in a costume for any reason, and the general *mood* that Spooky Season implies. Plus, there are so many questions we can ask surrounding the spooky topic! No matter your opinions on Spooky Season, Halloween, or scary things, though, I think you may find something on this list for you, or someone else in your family. Here is a collection of spooky books for all ages.
If you want a one-stop-shop, I suggest you head to my Bookshop store! All of these books are there, in one handy list, and ready for you to purchase. If you’d rather purchase from Amazon or find at your local library, then you can use the list below (Amazon and Bookshop links are affiliate links and will give me a small commission. Shop — or borrow — the way you believe is best for you and your family!).
Before you browse:
Here’s the question topic I’d stick with for all of these books — whether you’re reading to a toddler, alongside a middle grade reader, or together with a high schooler: What makes things scary? Start here and see where it takes you.
WHAT MAKES THINGS SCARY?
leading question for spooky season books
If asking more abstract questions is hard for you, I suggest you check out my free resource for having conversations about books with your tweens and teens. Even if your children are younger, you may find it helpful.
I have these separated by age because it’s what we’re used to, but, please know that age recommendations made by publishers are so relative. My two-year-old is currently loving a middle grade graphic novel. Plenty of adults read and love YA. Some middle grade novels are too mature for some middle grade readers, and for other readers, the reverse is true. YOU know your family the best. A quick Google, trip to Common Sense Media, or simple flip through the hard copy (or ebook sample!) will help you decide. You don’t have to read the whole book first; I promise.
Now, on to the list!
Spooky Board Books:
These are books that are best for babies and younger toddlers. As your toddler starts learning to read, these books will continue to come in handy! So, build the love now, and don’t purge them yet.
BOO! BAA, LA LA LA!
(Sandra Boynton)
If your family has read MOO, BAA, LALALA, this will be a fun one.
CONSTRUCTION SITE GETS A FRIGHT!
(Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford)
Construction site! Flaps! Frights + friendship!
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK’S HALLOWEEN
(Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry)
LBT! Halloween! Flaps!
EDGAR GETS READY FOR BED
(Jennifer Adams and Ron Stucki)
Pair this with the Poe graphic novel adaptation — or re-read The Raven yourself — and get the whole family in on the spook.
Dracula: A Babylit(r) Counting Primer
(Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver)
A fun counting book, but also an opportunity for you to [re]learn all of the references it makes, or maybe have an older sibling do some research.
Spooky Picture Books:
These books are great for everyone. Honestly! If your children are older, please don’t forget about the magic of picture books. Or the educational value. Or the fun.
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH A GHOST
(Rebecca Green)
If your little reader likes to make connections — or you’d like to help them start — this book is filled with chances to connect to life + other stories.
GUSTAVO, THE SHY GHOST
(Flavia Z. Drago)
Play to your strengths!
THE POMEGRANATE WITCH
(Denise Doyen and Eliza Wheeler)
Witchy, poetic, makes you think.
THE LITTLE GHOST WHO WAS A QUILT
Riel Nason and Byron Eggenschwiler
Our differences can bring us our greatest adventures.
LEO: A GHOST STORY
(Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson)
Life from a young ghost’s perspective.
THERE’S A GHOST IN THIS HOUSE
(Oliver Jeffers)
Silly + simple, yet full of so many opportunities for discussion.
Spooky Middle Grade Books:
Middle grade is a tricky level. Publishers say middle grade is for readers between 8 and 12, but, personally, I know that it all depends on the reader.
GREYSTONE SECRETS: THE STRANGERS
(Margaret Peterson Haddix and Anne Lambelet)
Mystery + suspense = SPOOK! (And this is just the first in a series…)
MYSTERY OF BLACK HOLLOW LANE
(Julia Nobel)
A school-based mystery is perfect for October/November.
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
(Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean)
Would YOU like to grow up in a graveyard?
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK GRAPHIC NOVEL
(Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell)
If the original novel seems like too much for your reader — OR if they already read and loved it — have them check out the graphic novel version.
Out to Get You: 13 Tales of Weirdness and Woe
(Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman)
Read one or two a day! Aloud would be best. Maybe with a flashlight in the dark?
Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories
(Roald Dahl)
Stories not written, but compiled by, Roald Dahl.
THE WITCHES
(Roald Dahl + Quentin Blake)
Roald Dahl DID write this witchy classic. For those who don’t really want to be spooked but want to join in on the spirit of the season.
DOLL BONES
(Holly Black and Eliza Wheeler)
There’s just something about an adventure involving a spooky doll.
THE CLACKITY
(Lora Senf)
A haunted novel? Yes, please.
THE SECRET GARDEN
(Frances Hodgson Burnett)
For the reader who doesn’t like the traditional Halloween books, I suggest an intro to gothic literature.
Ghost: Thirteen Haunting Tales to Tell
(Illustratus)
More stories, which are perfect for getting into the spooky spirit together.
A MONSTER CALLS
(Patrick Ness and Jim Kay)
This isn’t a Halloween book, but it’s a beautiful coming-of-age novel that brings the spookiness of hard things to life.
Spooky Young Adult – Adult Books:
SISTERS
(Daisy Johnson)
Gothic mystery. Literary spook for grownups or mature teenagers.
DRACULA
(Bram Stoker)
Have you ever read it? Do you remember the story?
A GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO MURDER
(Holly Jackson)
YA book, but you make the decision for who in your family is going to read this one. It’s popular, it’s murder-mystery-justice-spook, and maybe it’s the book you’ll read next.
FRANKENSTEIN
(Mary Shelley)
I recommend reading this classic aloud. Even if it’s just to another adult.
Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
(Gareth Hinds)
The master of spook becomes more approachable in graphic novel form.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
(Sangu Mandanna)
This is a book for any parents/caregivers (or older teens) out there who need a little off-screen fun during spooky season.
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