There’s no spookier time than October to introduce your students to works that are equal parts terrifying, enchanting, and enlightening. We've included books for various reading levels to spook and delight students of all ages. Check out our list that's so good, it's scary!
Elementary School Readers (Grades 4-5)
The Witches
In Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel, a young boy discovers there are real witches disguised among us. Under the direction of their leader, the Grand High Witch, the witches work to rid the world of children by turning them into mice. With the help of his eccentric grandmother, a self-proclaimed retired witch hunter, our hero does all he can to stop the witches before they put their ultimate plan into action.
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Bunnicula
This novel by Deborah and James Howe is the perfect piece of vampire fiction for younger readers. Chester the housecat has a sneaking suspicion that the Monroe family’s rabbit, Bunnicula, is a vampire. The new pet has pointy fangs, black fur in the shape of a cape, and peculiar nocturnal habits, including sneaking into the kitchen to drain all the vegetables of their juices. Afraid for the Monroe's, Chester must convince Harold, the family dog, to help him put an end to Bunnicula’s mischief.
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Coraline
Fantasy author Neil Gaiman weaves an otherworldly tale akin to Alice in Wonderland in this extraordinary book. After moving into her family’s new apartment, Coraline discovers a mysterious door that leads into an alternate world. There, she meets an “other mother” and “other father” who, unlike her real parents, pay plenty of attention to her and want to keep her forever. When Coraline returns to her own world, she discovers her parents have been kidnapped by the “other mother,” and she must brave this spooky reality again in order to rescue them.
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More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Beloved by children and adults alike, Alvin Schwartz’s classic collection of traditional and modern scary stories is guaranteed to keep readers on the edges of their seats. More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark contains 28 terrifying tales, including “The Bride,” “The Little Black Dog,” and “A Ghost in the Mirror.”
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The first book in J. K. Rowling's beloved series offers chills and thrills for young and old readers alike. Eleven-year-old Harry and his best pals face a troll, a three-headed dog, and even the Dark Lord himself, who's attached his soul to one of their teachers. Trust us—your students won't be able to put this book down!
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Middle School Readers (Grades 6-8)
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Considered a children’s classic by many, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is a fascinating example of historical fiction. In 1687, after the death of her grandfather, Kit Tyler leaves her privileged life in Barbados to live with relatives in Puritan New England. Ostracized by her new community, Kit befriends fellow outcast Hannah Tupper, a Quaker woman rumoured to be a witch. But their friendship proves dangerous after the free-spirited Kit is accused of practicing witchcraft. Will she be able to prove her innocence?
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The Lie Tree
Enlighten your students on the often perilous journey to knowledge with Frances Hardinge’s award-winning novel. When Reverend Sunderly, a well-known scientist, is found dead, his curious daughter Faith suspects he was murdered. She eventually discovers her father’s final research project: a small fantastical tree that feeds on lies and bears fruit that tells the truth. Magic and science come together in dark and twisty ways as Faith navigates her father’s endless secrets, determined to find his killer.
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Scythe
Philosophical and brooding, this is the first book in Neal Shusterman's Arc of a Scythe series. In a technologically advanced future where death, war, disease, and hunger have been virtually eliminated, an organization of professional reapers called Scythes exists to curb overpopulation. Two teenagers named Citra and Rowan are handpicked to be trained as Scythes, but only one of them can make the final cut.
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Life as We Knew It
It all starts when an asteroid crashes into the moon, the impact sparking earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters. As society collapses and resources become scarce, sixteen-year-old Miranda and her family must find unconventional ways to survive in Susan Beth Pfeffer’s sci-fi novel.
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Gone
Michael Grant's debut novel is the first in a gripping series that takes place in the fictional town of Perdido Beach, CA. It's not your average town—there, everyone 15 or older mysteriously disappears, and unknown forces give residents supernatural powers.
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High School Readers (Grades 9-12)
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Despite the title, your class will be far from sleepy studying this spooky gothic story. Washington Irving's tale is famous for featuring the Headless Horseman, a significant ghost-story figure. Scary stuff, but let's not lose our heads!
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Wuthering Heights
What Emily Brontë's classic gothic work might lack in witches and goblins, it makes up for in a sinister setting, deathly vengeance, tragedy, and gloom. This novel, structured as a frame narrative, is sure to keep your students guessing.
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The Invisible Man
This iconic science-fiction novel follows the story of Griffin, a scientist who discovers the secret to invisibility. What begins as newfound freedom quickly turns dark when he cannot seem to reverse his condition. H. G. Wells filled this work with symbolic significance your students will have to see (or not see…) to believe!
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Sing, Unburied, Sing
Brimming with magical realism, this southern gothic tale by Jesmyn Ward explores family dynamics through multiple narrators and a prison-bound road trip gone violently awry. Thirteen-year-old Jojo can see ghosts; at the prison, he sees a spirit named Richie, who will ultimately unmask some important family secrets.
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Macbeth
Double, double, toil and trouble! William Shakespeare's famous play contains cackling witches, ominous ghosts, brutal murders, and shocking betrayals. We recommend reading this frightening work with the lights on.
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You can find all these scary titles and more at Prestwick House! When you shop with us, you'll always save at least 25% on any paperback. If the retail value of your order is at least $500, you'll save 30%. And if the retail value of your order is at least $2,500, you'll save 35% on all your paperbacks!
Have a creepy book in mind but don’t see it in stock? Send an email to info@prestwickhouse.com. We can special order almost any book for you!