Sometimes a spooky read is just what your students need. Whether it's Halloween season or not, what’s more intriguing than magic and mystery? In this post, I’ve compiled 10 kid-friendly novels that are perfect for your home or classroom. Plus most of these are part of a series! I LOVE introducing students to books in series. When they fall in love, the reading just keeps going!
But First!
If you're interested in spooky novels, check out my Spooky Novels Book Club Bundle! This bundle comes with everything you need--just add the books! Follow the thumbnail below to view the preview and add it to your wishlist!
Now back to that list!
1. Harry Potter By: J.K. Rowling
A character all students should know: Harry Potter! This magical series has fantasy, suspense, and drama. J.K. Rowling’s writing will draw your students in and keep them reading each sequel!
2. Roald Dahl Collection
Pick any Roald Dahl book and you’ve got a spooky classic! The BFG, the Witches, James and the Giant Peach, you name it. They will all leave your students feeling the suspense!
>>View my read aloud companion for The Witches on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
>>View my read aloud companion for The BFG on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
3. Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories By: Rowley Jefferson
If your students love the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, this is for them! This time Jeff Kinney brings us spooky (but silly) stories. The comic-style pictures and quick moving text is sure to please!
4. Serafina and the Black Cloak By: Robert Beatty
This novel is set at the Biltmore Estate in 1899. Young Serafina is 12 years old and works to uncover a mystery. Several young guests of the estate have disappeared and a mysterious man appears to be to blame. This novel is considered American historical fiction and fantasy.
>>View my read aloud companion for SERAFINA on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
5. The Mysterious Benedict Society By: Trenton Lee Stewart
In this mysterious novel, 4 intelligent children are sent on a secret mission. Along the way they find that their school is not what they expect. When your students get hooked on this one, they can read one of the sequels and watch the Disney+ adaptation!
6. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By: Washington Irving
Spooking its readers for generations, Sleepy Hollow is the perfect short read. You’ll meet Ichabod Crane, a romantic school teacher in the 1800s who is haunted by the headless horseman. This is a classic tale every student should learn!
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
7. Chasing Lincoln's Killer By: James L. Swanson
This non-fiction book reads like a fiction thriller, thus it is very interesting for students! You will learn about the 12 day chase of John Wilkes Booth with first hand accounts from trial manuscripts and interviews.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
8. A Wrinkle in Time By: Madeleine L'Engle
Meg Murry and her family go on a science fiction journey to save her dad, and in the process, the entire planet! Sci-Fi has been spooking for generations—and this one will keep your students on their heels.
>>View my read aloud companion for this title on Teachers Pay Teachers!<<
9. A Break with Charity By: Ann Rinaldi
The author of this novel, Ann Rinaldi, is queen of historical fiction with female protagonists. A Break with Charity follows a young girl living through the Salem Witch Trials. While this story is fiction, your students will be intrigued by the true historical details.
10. Goosebumps Series By: R.L. Stine
The classic horror series for kids-Goosebumps! This set is great for inspiring reluctant readers. With countless sequels, the reading will go on and on!
Scary Books for BIGGER Kids
Bonus: Here are 3 spooky novels for BIGGER kids. These 3 are a little scarier than the rest and would be interesting for mature upper elementary or middle grades.
11. Coraline By: Neil Gaman
When Coraline's family moves into a new home, she discovers a mysterious door to another dimension. Soon Coraline fights to save herself, her parents, and the souls of other children. This is classified as a dark fantasy children's novella and may be scary for younger audiences. There is also a movie adaptation.
When Coraline's family moves into a new home, she discovers a mysterious door to another dimension. Soon Coraline fights to save herself, her parents, and the souls of other children. This is classified as a dark fantasy children's novella and may be scary for younger audiences. There is also a movie adaptation.
12. Scary Stories for Young Foxes By: Christian McKay Heidicker
This book is written in the style of "cautionary tales" told by an old vixen to two young foxes. There are 7 interconnected stories, all told while Mia and Uly experience dangerous adventures. This novel received a Newberry Honor in 2020 and is appropriate for older middle grade students.
13. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children By: Ransom Riggs
Jacob, traumatized by a recent death, is taken to his grandfather's childhood home. Here he finds that things are not as they should be. "Peculiar" children live here in an endless loop and Jacob's help is needed! This novel is intended for a YA age group (13-17 yrs).
No comments
Post a Comment