For readers who love scary books, we have the ultimate reading list of the best scary stories for kids. These 13 scary stories are just spooky enough to be fun and entertaining but won’t keep readers up all night.

Our scary stories list features spine-tingling chapter books, creepy graphic novels, frightening hi-lo for striving and reluctant readers, and terrifying nonfiction – a chilling tale for every reader! As a bonus, all of these books are part of larger series so if your reader likes one, there’s many more spooky adventures to try. Here are our favorite scary stories for readers who delight in the fright and want to devour every terrifying tale. . .

 

Not-Too-Scary Stories For Young Readers

1. Boo Books series

By Benjamin Bird, John Sazaklis, Michael Dahl, and Jaclyn Jaycox
Illustrated by Patrycja Fabicka, Melissa Cotroneo, Jesus Lopez, Katie Crumpton, Giada Gatti, and Marilisa Cotroneo
(Gr. K-2)

A scary (but not too scary) series for young readers. Boo Books puts familiar monsters in familiar settings to creep out a rotating cast of characters. What's the sound coming from upstairs? Could it be a ghost? Who's that skulking in the woods? Must be a vampire. Is the new neighbor a witch? Probably. With short chapters, easy-to-read text, and enhanced back matter, Boo Books deliver just-right frights (without the sleepless nights) for the earliest readers.
 

 

For Readers Who Love Spine-Tingling, Twisted Tales

2. Return to Ravens Pass series

By Megan Atwood and Ailynn Collins
Illustrated by Amerigo Pinelli
(Gr. 3-6)

Return to Ravens Pass, the strange little town where nightmares come true! Capstone’s popular chapter book series is back with more spine-tingling, scary stories. From haunted hotels to alien encounters, each stand-alone tale will thrill readers. Creepy black-and-white illustrations and spooky frights will chill them to the bone.
 

3. Michael Dahl Presents: Scary Stories series

By Megan Atwood and Steve Brezenoff
Illustrated by Neil Evans
(Gr. 3-5)

Dark and twisted paths await. Who will be your guide through the land of nightmares? Michael Dahl, of course! Bestselling author Michael Dahl has curated the spookiest tales from some of his favorite authors. These hair-raising, spine-tingling books feature all kinds of kids in all kinds of scary situations. Read them if you dare!
 

4. Michael Dahl Presents: Screams in Space series

By Ailynn Collins and Steve Brezenoff
Illustrated by Juan Calle Velez
(Gr. 3-5)

Journey to the outer reaches of the universe--and into your deepest, darkest fears. In SCREAMS IN SPACE, best-selling author Michael Dahl presents scary sci-fi stories by some of his favorite writers. In these illustrated chapter books, many fiendishly frightful missions await. Explore a mysterious alien planet, survive aboard an invaded spaceship, and more. But be warned: you may hear screams in space . . . and they might be your own. 
 

5. You Choose: Monster Hunter series

By Cristina Oxtra, Blake Hoena, Eric Braun, Matt Doeden, and Brandon Terrell
(Gr. 3-7)

An action-packed series in the ever-popular YOU CHOOSE brand, where YOU learn about the world’s most elusive mythical creatures, including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Kraken, and more. Full of life-or-death decisions, this series of interactive books puts you smack-dab at the center of the action. Each choice brings you one step closer to becoming an epic monster hunter—or an epic failure. Complete with real-life landmarks, nonfiction back matter, and dozens of possible outcomes, the adventure never ends with You Choose: Monster Hunter!
 

 

For Readers Who Love Graphic Novels

6. Library of Doom Graphic Novels series

By Steve Brezenoff
Illustrated by Martín Bustamante, Janio Garcia, Patricio Clarey, Juan Calle
(Gr. 3-6)

Step into the Library of Doom and experience it like never before . . . in graphic novel format! Featuring the mighty Librarian from the best-selling chapter books series, these original, stand-alone adventures pop off the page in gripping, full-color comic art. Readers of all abilities will eagerly follow their favorite hero as he battles wicked villains and monstrous books to keep the world safe from the forces of evil.
 

7. Scary Graphics series

By Steve Foxe, Shawn Pryor, Rosie Knight, Jessica Freeburg, Daniel Mauleón, and Katie Schenkel
Illustrated by Juan Calle, Fran Bueno, Alan Brown
(Gr. 3-5)

Are your readers craving chills and thrills? Have them reach for these graphic novels with a serious creep factor! Each standalone scare features easy-to-read text and eerie, full-color art that combine to thoroughly freak out kids. But grown-ups have nothing to fear: these terrors have been tamed to be just right for young readers. The strangest and spookiest stories await!
 

 

Hi-Lo For Reluctant & Striving Readers

8. The Unexplained: Fact or Fiction? series

By Megan Cooley Peterson
(Reading Level Gr. 2-3; Interest Level Gr. 4-6)

Alien abductions, UFO sightings, mind-reading powers . . . who knows what to believe? This series will draw in readers with fantastic paranormal tales and expose the plain facts behind them. Easy-to-read text and bold imagery will draw in the most reluctant of readers and empower struggling readers.
 

9. Secrets of the Library of Doom series

By Michael Dahl
Illustrated by Patricio Clarey
(Gr. 3-5)

The Librarian has long worked in the shadows to guard the Library of Doom and its collection of deadly books. But now bestselling author Michael Dahl brings the hero’s adventures into the light with Secrets of the Library of Doom! Young readers will uncover new thrills and new mysteries in this chapter book series where the powerful Librarian is always prepared to save the day from the world’s most peculiar monsters and sinister book-hungry villains.
 

10. The Gamer series

By Shawn Pryor
Illustrated by Francesca Ficorilli
(Reading Level Gr. 1-3; Interest Level Gr. 3-5) 

When 13-year-old Tyler Morant sits down to play a video game, it’s not just for harmless fun. He is battling the world’s most dangerous games. As the Gamer, it is up to him to conquer the deadly obstacles and evil villains that lurk in the darkest corners of the gaming world. If he fails, the digital darkness will escape into reality. Readers will be drawn to the high-stake action of The Gamer, a page-turning chapter book series.
 

 

Truly Scary for Nonfiction Lovers

11. Killer Nature series

By Charles C. Hofer
(Gr. 3-5)

Nature is incredibly beautiful—and surprisingly deadly! Cute and cuddly animals can be fierce and vicious killers. Beautiful flowers can be deadly to the touch. Even the smallest creatures can be extremely dangerous. Young readers can explore a world full of unexpected danger as they discover nature’s deadly plants and animals.
 

12. You Choose: Haunted Places series

By Matt Doeden, Allison Lassieur, Matt Chandler, and Blake Hoena
(Gr. 3-7)

Readers experience haunted places as they’ve never seen them before-up close and personal! YOU CHOOSE the path you will take through some of the most famous haunted prisons, castles, and ships. Follow the path of a modern-day visitor in these thrilling narrative nonfiction titles.

13. Haunted History series

By Megan Cooley Peterson and Matt Chandler
(Gr. 3-5)

Eerie sounds. Unexplained smells. Phantom soldiers. Are spirits and ghosts trying to tell us something about past events? In this series, readers will explore just-right haunted stories from some of America's most historic places.
 

 

Find all of these scary books for kids and more in our Scary Stories booklist

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For more resources, including spooky kids activities, visit our Scary Books for Kids page