Spooky Reads for Halloween

Looking for a Halloween read-aloud even the most hesitant kid will enjoy? Or a recommendation for a teen who can’t get enough of gory slasher films? We have books for every kid, tween, teen, ghost, or witch that you may meet this spooky season. The jack-o’-lantern emoji indicates the book’s scare factor, on a scale of 1-5.

PICTURE BOOKS

Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex

What scares Darth Vader? Certainly not monsters, witches, or ghosts, and especially not the dark. So what causes the most fearsome villain in the galaxy to cower behind his mask? Read on in Adam Rex’s hilarious and spooky Star Wars tale to find out.

The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton

This picture book adaptation of the beloved movie, written and illustrated by creator Tim Burton, is perfect for bringing the story of Jack Skellington and Halloweenland to young fans and newcomers alike.


MIDDLE GRADE

DISNEY CHILLS: FIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE by Vera Strange

Disney Villains meets Goosebumps in this brand new chapter book series, where kids discover what happens when the dreams that they fear will come true, do. In Fiends on the Other Side, 12-year-old Jamal is about to find out why people say never to make a deal with the Shadow Man. Grab your night-light, dear reader, and prepare to be CHILL-ed!

TALES FROM THE HAUNTED MANSION by Amicus Arcane

In this chapter book series, Amicus Arcane, the resident librarian of the Haunted Mansion, shares spooky stories about the ghosts that roam the halls of his legendary home. What frightening fictions does this once-living librarian hold in store? And will you, foolish reader, be brave enough to listen to them all without going mad…or dying from fright?

THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING by Alexandra Bracken

A darkly delightful MG contemporary fantasy from New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken about a modern New England boy who must rid himself of the ancient demon inhabiting his body and break his family’s curse.

STUFFED by Liz Braswell

10-year-old Clark’s beloved stuffed animals protect him every night from the Monsters, but they face their biggest challenge yet when one targets Clark’s dad.

PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

Fans of scary movies and horror legends will be reaching for this thrilling fantasy adventure based on the Mexican legend of La Llorona.


YOUNG ADULT

HOCUS POCUS AND THE ALL-NEW SEQUEL by A. W. Jantha

Fans of the classic Halloween movie will love returning to the world of the Sanderson sisters with this fresh retelling of the original movie, and an all-new sequel that finds the next generation of Salem teens fighting to save their town from the witches’ latest vile scheme.

EVIL THING by Serena Valentino

Evil Thing

The captivating seventh installment in the popular Villains series follows the rise and fall of the deranged and glamorous fan favorite, Cruella De Vil. If it doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will…

#NOESCAPE by Gretchen McNeil

#NoEscape

In this twisty, campy horror novel set in the same world as teen favorites #MurderTrending and #MurderFunding, 17-year-old Persey enters an escape room competition. But when contestants start getting killed off, Persey must solve a series of bizarre and gruesome puzzles, riddles, and games, not just to win, but to make it out alive.

Disney Publishing at School Library Journal Day of Dialog

 

This year, SLJ’s Day of Dialog is going fully virtual, from panels to keynote talks, and yes, even an exhibitor’s hall.

Visit the Disney Publishing Worldwide virtual booth to learn more about recent and upcoming releases, snag eGalleys, and access our downloadable activity sheets and teacher’s guides.

We will also have a very special guest stopping by to chat and answer questions live in our booth: Sarwat Chadda, author of City of the Plague God. This forthcoming release from Rick Riordan Presents is the story of thirteen-year-old Sikander Aziz, who has to team up with the hero Gilgamesh in order to stop Nergal, the ancient god of plagues, from wiping out the population of Manhattan in this adventure based on Mesopotamian mythology.

City of the Plague God   

Sarwat Chadda will be chatting in our booth from 11:10-11:30 am ET, following his participation in the panel In The Midst of it All: Books for Middle Graders. This panel will take place from 10:05am-11:00am ET, and features four authors representing a range of genres discussing the challenges and rewards of writing for a middle grade audience.

We will miss seeing you all in person, but hope you will stop by and say hi!

And if you haven’t yet registered for this free event, there is still time. Visit the SLJ website here for more details and to sign up.