I don’t usually post anything specifically about Spooky Season. Halloween wasn’t an important holiday in my house. Though I was raised in a conservative Christian home, I think the real reason we weren’t big Halloween celebrators is that my dad is generally against holidays which revolve around candy. Ha! So I never really got into the spirit of the holiday, I guess. My mom sews and loves costumes, so we always had costumes and created reasons to dress up around our house. Maybe that’s another reason I didn’t look forward to the holiday specifically for an excuse to dress up?
In any case, I also happen to be a pretty tense reader, so I don’t usually chase down a lot of spooky-ish reads. Somehow this year I’ve ended up with a reading list full of books that I’d call at least mildly spooky. These are spooky but not terrifying.
Here are my best suggestions for a book to curl up with under your blanket while you sip your pumpkin spice beverage as you celebrate this spooky season.
5 Perfect MG Books for Spooky Season
I’ve listed these books in order from least to most spooky. That way, if you’re like me, you’ll have a better chance of finding a book at your personal spooky comfort level.
Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World by Samara Shanker
What you need to know: Jewish folklore. Best friends. A real-live golem on the loose with instructions to save the world. What could possibly go wrong? This was a super fun read.
Release Date: September 6, 2022 | Author Q&A | My Review
Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson
What you need to know: From Goodreads: One magical inn, two kids with supernatural powers, and an ancient Celtic creature trying to destroy their world by Halloween night…
One of my favorite books this year!
Release Date: August 30, 2022 | Author Q&A | My Review
The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Kassner
What you need to know: I read this book earlier in the year, and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s got some spooky magic, unforgettable characters, and possibly the best exploration of grief I’ve ever seen in a novel.
Release Date: August 3, 2021
10 Perfect YA Books for Spooky Season
Just like the middle grade section, these spooky reads are arranged in order from what I found to be least to most spooky.
Three Kisses, One Midnight Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon and Evelyn Skye
What you need to know: Three friends will use art, science, and the magic of a powerful legend to seek the perfect romance. I haven’t read anything by Evelyn Skye, but I love the books by Sandhya Menon and Roshani Chokshi that I’ve read, so this one looks like a sure win to me.
Release Date: August 30, 2022 | My Review
The Killing Code by Ellie Marney
What you need to know: 1943 Virginia. After a string of murders, four codebreaker girls team up to find the killer so they can stop him before he strikes again. I couldn’t stop reading. F/F romance.
Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review
We Made It All Up by Margot Harrison
What you need to know: A town full of secrets. A love-story fan-fic written by two unlikely friends. A murder: the boy they’ve written about. Twisty and suspenseful. Perfect for fans of WE WERE LIARS.
Release Date: July 12, 2022 | My Review
Direwood by Catherine Yu
What you need to know: A small town plagued by missing teens. A nest of vampires and bloodsucking butterflies. One girl determined to destroy them and find her sister. I liked the unique spin on vampires in this one.
Release Date: September 20, 2022 | My Review
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
What you need to know: A kidnapped boy. A role his abductor has created for him. Can he escape before he loses himself? This one could be on the edge of what I can handle, but I loved A LIST OF CAGES, so I really want to try it.
Release Date: October 11, 2022
The Honeys by Ryan LaSala
What you need to know: A twin’s sister dies under horrific circumstances, and he will do whatever it takes to find out why. I’m not usually brave enough to read horror, but this is RYAN LASALA. I feel like I have to give it a try after the way I adored REVERIE.
Release Date: August 2, 2022
It Looks Like Us by Allison Ames
What you need to know: A high school team visiting an Antarctic research station. An unknown, shapeshifting infection pursuing them one by one. Scary books aren’t my usual go-to, but I couldn’t put this one down. Ace main character.
Release Date: September 13, 2022 | My Review
Are you planning to read anything creepy, crawly, or scary this spooky season?
Do you celebrate Halloween? What are your favorite books for spooky season? Let me know in the comments.