Looking for a spooky story to keep you entertained this fall? Check out this selection of middle-grade reads, perfect for those who like being scared.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
Molly and Kip arrive to work at a mysterious English estate that the locals claim is haunted. At first, the siblings do not believe it. But every night someone walks the grounds, and the family seem to be losing their health. At the heart of the riddle lies a tree that can grant anyone’s heart’s desire. But the cost may be too great to pay. This deliciously scary tale will keep readers awake all night!
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
Corinne La Mer does not believe in jumbies, the terrible spirits said to haunt the forest. But when a beautiful stranger enchants Corinne’s father, Corinne realizes it is up to her to save her island–before the jumbies claim it for their own. The first in a series.
Night Wings by Joseph Bruchac
Paul knows the Abenaki legend of the winged monster known as the Pmola. But he has never believed it until now. He has been having dreams that are leading him up to the top of the mountain. And nothing can prepare him for what he is about to face.
Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge
When Triss wakes up after an accident, she knows something is wrong. Her sisters are frightened of her and she keeps waking up with leaves in her hair. To discover the truth, she will have to travel into the dark Underbelly of the city. But it may already be too late. This creepy historical fiction, set in England after WWI, will deliver all the thrills and chills.
Room of Shadows by Ronald Kidd
David Cray has anger issues. And now he’s been grounded in his creepy new house by his mom. In a secret room, he discovers an old writing desk and a raven carving. Does the room have something to do with famous author Edgar Allan Poe? And why do the people who hurt David keep getting hurt themselves? David must solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
When Harper Raine’s family moves to a new house, Harper is convinced that it is haunted. Her brother Michael is acting strangely, and refuses to talk with anyone except for his new friend Billy–whom no one else can see. What can a seventh grader do to save her brother from possession?
Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega
Lucely Luna accidentally casts a spell that awakens evil spirits. Now she, her friend Syd, and her witch grandmother must work together to save their city from destruction.
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
Master puppeteer Gaspare Grisini’s creations are so realistic they seem alive. His assistants are two orphans, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. When rich girl Clara Wintermute goes missing, Lizzie and Parse are the prime suspects. Now they will have to uncover the mystery surrounding Grisini’s past and his entanglement with a witch if they ever want to clear their names.
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Ever since she drowned, Cassidy Blake can see ghosts. In fact, her best friend Jacob is a ghost. But now her parents are starting to film a documentary series about haunted locations all over the world. As they travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, Cassidy and Jacob find themselves confronted with a spooky mystery that might just take Cass’s life. For good this time. The first in a series.
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
In an alternative England, the dead don’t stay buried. Only children can see the ghosts who reappear to harm the living, however, so psychic detection agencies have sprung up to fight the spirits. Young Lucy Carlyle arrives in London to join Anthony Lockwood’s team. But can they solve the mystery of the Screaming Staircase? The first in a riveting series of five
