25 Best Scary Books for Young Readers

The 25 Best Scary Books for Young Readers

There’s something magical about scary stories for kids. The mix of spooky suspense and safe thrills keeps young readers hooked, turning the page with equal parts excitement and curiosity. Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom read-alouds, a parent building a home library, or a homeschooling family searching for fun, engaging books, age-appropriate scary stories can be just the thing to spark a love of reading.

Why Scary Stories Appeal to Kids

Scary books allow kids to explore fear in a safe and controlled way. They can laugh, shiver, and feel brave—all from the comfort of their chair. Spooky books often combine humor, mystery, and adventure, making them irresistible to young readers who crave a little excitement.

The Balance Between Spooky Fun and Safe Storytelling

The key is balance. The best scary books for kids are spooky but not overwhelming. They give students the thrill of a “safe scare” while still being age-appropriate. These stories are perfect for helping children stretch their imagination without causing sleepless nights.

Benefits of Reading Scary Books for Kids

Encourages a love of reading: Spooky books are page-turners, helping reluctant readers stay engaged.
Builds courage in a safe way: Kids get to practice bravery as they face spooky characters and eerie situations through stories.
Great for imagination and creativity: Scary books open doors to new worlds, strange creatures, and exciting mysteries.
Supports social-emotional learning: Discussing fears, bravery, and resilience through stories helps students build emotional awareness.

Age-Appropriate Scary Stories for Different Readers

Scary Books for Early Elementary (Grades K–2)

Young readers love silly-scary stories with humor and pictures. Books like Creepy Pair of Underwear mix laughs with just the right amount of fright.

Scary Books for Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5)

At this stage, students enjoy chapter books with suspense and mystery. Series like The Haunted Library and classics like Goosebumps hit the sweet spot for spooky fun.

Scary Books for Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Middle schoolers often crave deeper suspense and darker adventures. Stories like Small Spaces or The Night Gardener challenge them with richer plots and higher stakes.

Spooky Books for Teens and Young Adults (High School)

Older students are ready for more complex themes. Books like The Graveyard Book or Coraline blend horror and fantasy, perfect for teens who want something spooky but meaningful.

Here is a list of the 25 Best Scary Books for Young Readers:

1. Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine (Grades 3–6)

Classic spooky fun with endless adventures that keep kids hooked.

2. *Coraline by Neil Gaiman*
*(Grades 5–8)*

A darkly imaginative story that blends fantasy and horror, perfect for older kids.

3. Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds (Grades K–2)

Funny and just a little eerie, this picture book is a favorite for younger readers.

4. *The Haunted Library Series by Dori Hillestad Butler*
*(Grades 2–5)*

A mix of mystery and ghostly fun, perfect for upper elementary students.

5. *Small Spaces by Katherine Arden* *(Grades 5–8)*

Chilling and suspenseful, this modern middle-grade classic will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

6. The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier (Grades 6–8)

Beautifully written with eerie atmosphere and timeless themes of greed and courage.

7. Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh (Grades 5–8)

A thrilling ghost story that also explores family and cultural traditions.

8. *Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker*
*(Grades 4–7)*

Dark, literary, and powerful—perfect for students ready for a thought-provoking scare.

9. Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (Grades 3–6)

A graphic novel that mixes spooky fun with heartfelt themes of family and culture.

*10.* *The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman*
*(Grades 6–9)*

A rich, imaginative story about a boy raised in a graveyard—spooky and full of adventure.

11. Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe (Grades 3–6)

A humorous, slightly spooky tale about a vampire bunny that drains vegetables instead of blood.

12. The Witches by Roald Dahl (Grades 4–6)

Classic Dahl mischief with just the right amount of creepiness.

13. Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn (Grades 5–7)

A chilling ghost story perfect for middle-grade readers ready for a real scare.

14. The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson (Grades 5–8)

A magical, eerie retelling of Baba Yaga folklore that blends fantasy with spooky twists.

*15.* *City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab* *(Grades 5–8)*

An atmospheric ghost story with mystery and adventure.

16. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand (Grades 5–8)

Creepy, suspenseful, and perfect for fans of gothic vibes.

17. Nightbooks by J.A. White (Grades 4–7)

A modern fairy tale where a boy must tell scary stories to survive—great for reluctant readers.

*18.* *The Collectors by Jacqueline West* *(Grades 4–7)*

A mysterious and dark fantasy with a spooky edge.

19. The Nest by Kenneth Oppel (Grades 5–8)

Creepy and thought-provoking with unsettling illustrations.

*20.* *Doll Bones by Holly Black* *(Grades 5–8)*

A blend of adventure and ghost story that’s both spooky and heartfelt.

21. The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn (Grades 4–7)

A gothic ghost story from one of the best-known middle-grade horror authors.

22. Monsterstreet Series by J.H. Reynolds (Grades 3–6)

Fast-paced, spooky chapter books in the spirit of Goosebumps.

23. Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex (Grades 2–5)

Funny, spooky poems featuring classic monsters—excellent for lighthearted chills.

24. Shadows of Sherwood (Robyn Hoodlum series) by Kekla Magoon (Grades 4–7)

Not purely horror, but mysterious with darker, thrilling undertones.

*25.* *Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn*
*(Grades 5–8)*

One of Hahn’s scariest, about a witch and a missing girl—a true middle-grade horror staple.

Tips for Parents and Teachers Choosing Scary Books

Check age recommendations and reviews before handing a book to your child or student.
Read together with younger kids to make the experience fun and safe.
Talk it through—encourage students to share what made them laugh, what gave them chills, and how they felt brave.

Conclusion

Scary books for kids aren’t just about giving them goosebumps. They’re about sparking curiosity, building resilience, and helping kids see themselves as brave. Whether it’s a silly-scary picture book or a spine-tingling middle-grade novel, these stories make reading memorable.

📚 Do you have a favorite scary book for kids? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear what your students or kids are reading!

JODI BREE ROMERO