Ghost Reading: The Best Books for Halloween

The supernatural has always held an important place in western literature. But there is something really special about reading these works during the right season. When, as James Whitcomb Riley says, “the frost in on the punkin,” gothic and supernatural literature can really come alive for young readers. Indeed, for all ages, there are stories and poems that can satisfy your sweet tooth for the uncanny. Here are some personal favorites:

For younger children:

Moonlight: The Halloween Cat by Cynthia Rylant
Perfect for the younger ages and the easily frightened, this picture book is “soothing, ghoul-free, and utterly non-creepy,” according to Booklist. Still, it’s an adorable story told in rhythmic prose coupled with great illustrations

Humbug Witch by Lorna Balian
This is a classic (1965) kid’s story about a little witch who can’t seem to get her spells right. With all the requisite October-ish illustrations, it’s is a great, timeless story for kindergarteners.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams
A good pick for preschool to grade two, this one is “just spooky enough” according to Publisher’s Weekly. Add it to your Halloween read-aloud list and prepare to revel in the folk-artsy illustrations.

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes
This book accomplishes a number of feats: it offers striking illustrations, introduces early readers to Spanish words, and builds suspense using excellent cadence and rhyme to create a fascinating Halloween story. Also good for cat lovers!

Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex
Hilarious “bloggy” collection of entries such as “Count Dracula Doesn’t Know He’s Been Walking Around All Night with Spinach in His Teeth,” this book will appeal to any kid with a sense of humor- so basically, all of them.

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
From the author of the hugely successful The Gruffalo, this story is lightweight, seasonal, and perfect for kids up to around age 8.

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Who doesn’t love the Berenstain Bears? Go trick-or-treating with Brother and Sister Bear, and, as always with the Berenstans, learn an important lesson about right versus wrong.

The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone
Like the Berenstain Bears, Sesame Street’s Grover is a pretty much universally known and loved character. In this book, readers are warned not to turn each page because there’s a monster at the end of the book…I won’t spoil who that monster is.

For older kids:

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
If you like graphic novels, this account of Jack the Ripper’s assault on Whitechapel will tingle your spine. This is a perfect choice for the student who’s not exactly in love with reading novels, but who connects more with visual narrative.

The Shining/Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
The OG of horror fictio, brings the reader into the Overlook Hotel, a place you can’t un-remember having visited. Most of King’s stuff is great supplemental/leisure reading for high schoolers who don’t mind things getting a little weird.

The Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
This is a total no-brainer, I know, but without Poe, we wouldn’t have a lot of the classic horror literature we do today. Nobody had his imagination, and from the erie cadence of “The Raven” to the absolutely messed-up story of the Cask of Amontillado, Poe is the man for scary fall reading.

Candy Freak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America by Steve Almond
Not every Halloween book is about ghosts. Here’s one that delves into our deepest desires this time of year: CANDY. In the spirit of Willy Wonka, Almond embarks on a great American journey to discover the birthplaces of the candy of his youth. It’s some sweet reading, indeed.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Along with Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving was one of the major word-painters of American lit, and Sleepy Hollow is now forever connected with Halloween thanks to Mr. Irving’s incredible story. From Disney to Johnny Depp, this story has been retold many times, but of course, nothing beats the original!

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
I know what you’re thinking, but come on- it has everything you need for good Halloween reading: vampires, werewolves, and a sweeping, gothic love story.

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Bradbury is one of the undisputed masters of the sci-fi genre, and basically his entire catalog could be listed here. For a master class in the unnatural, he should be your first stop.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson rarely gets the credit she deserves for her contribution to the American cannon, but she can bring it when it comes to horror. If you’re pressed for time, also check out her short stories and prepare to be afraid.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
From the queen of mystery, this novel is often considered the greatest mystery story ever written. Accusations of murder, dark secrets, and disappearing dinner guests make for a true classic.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
Intended for teens but scary enough for adults, this collection definitely lives up to its name. These are digestible yet terrifying stories and vignettes that are perfect for the proverbial campfire.

Written by Phil Lane

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