As Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to gather some spooky middle-grade reads to get into the eerie spirit! Here’s a roundup of five novels that will have young readers on the edge of their seats—but not too scared to sleep!
The Ghost Rules by Adam Rosenbaum
Why: Rosenbaum expertly walks the line between hilarious and heartbreaking.
Twelve-year-old Elwood McGee has the rare ability to see ghosts, and while they’re more nosy than scary, he’s determined to use his power to reconnect with his late brother. With the help of two friends, Elwood embarks on a heartwarming and humorous journey (the world of ghosts is surprisingly funny!) through the ghostly realm, learning about grief and letting go.
Hart & Souls by Lisa Schmid
Why: No one captures the middle-grade voice better than Lisa Schmid!
Stix Hart just wants to fly under the radar in middle school, but things take a spooky turn when he discovers three ghostly students who need his help. Now, Stix must summon his courage to solve the mystery of their decades-long stay and help them move on—before time runs out.
The Inn Between by Marina Cohen
Why: Scary and thought-provoking in equal measure.
Eleven-year-old Quinn embarks on a trip with her best friend, Kara, and Kara’s family, only to find themselves stranded in a creepy Victorian hotel where strange disappearances and eerie happenings unfold. As Quinn and Kara search for Kara’s missing family, they must unravel the hotel’s dark secrets before it’s too late.
Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley
Why: Bradley is a masterful mystery writer.
When JJ Jacobson’s weekend ghost-hunting trip turns into a real-life murder mystery, he must team up with his new friends to clear his mother’s name. With a killer on the loose and the possibility of meeting ghosts, this is one getaway JJ will never forget.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
Why: Auxier creates a creepy atmosphere that leaps right off the page.
Two abandoned Irish siblings find work at a decaying English manor, only to discover a haunting specter and an ancient curse that threatens their lives. This Victorian ghost story weaves a chilling tale of greed and the power of storytelling, delivering a mesmerizing, timeless read.
These five books will add just the right amount of spooky fun to any reader’s fall reading list, making them perfect companions for a thrilling Halloween season!
This is my last post for MUF! While I’ve had a blast sharing favorite titles with you over the years, I’ll be shifting my focus to writing (and finishing!) novels and book coaching. Hope to see you out in the real world sometime soon but in the meantime visit my linktree and let’s connect! Happy reading and writing, friends!
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I love seeing Auxier’s The Night Gardener on your short list of very different scary books. I have been recommending that one since it made the Texas Bluebonnet Award list of nominees a decade-ish ago. So creepy-good!