Books Like...

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden is a middle-grade horror fantasy novel that follows Ollie, a young girl dealing with the loss of her mother. Ollie's encounter with a mysterious book leads her on a chilling adventure involving a sinister creature known as the Smiling Man, a farm with a dark history, and scarecrows that come to life. As Ollie and her friends navigate through a series of eerie events during a school field trip, they must unravel the mystery behind the book and confront the malevolent forces threatening their lives. The narrative is fast-paced, engaging, and weaves themes of grief, friendship, and courage into a spooky and suspenseful tale that captivates both younger and older readers.

In "City of Ghosts" by Victoria V.E. Schwab, we follow Cassidy Blake, a girl who gains the ability to see ghosts and cross over to the world of the dead after a near-death experience. Accompanied by her ghost best friend Jacob, Cassidy's parents take her to Edinburgh, Scotland, to film a TV show about haunted places. The book is a middle-grade supernatural adventure that blends elements of ghost stories with references to popular works like Harry Potter, creating a spooky and engaging atmosphere that captures the reader's attention.

The plot unfolds with Cassidy encountering malevolent ghosts in Edinburgh, navigating her unique ability, and exploring the historic city's supernatural side. The writing style is described as a perfect blend of scary and fun, with well-developed characters like Cassidy and Jacob, engaging storytelling, and a captivating setting that brings the haunted city of Edinburgh to life, making it a thrilling read for both middle-grade and older readers.

The Clackity by Lora Senf is a thrilling middle grade horror novel that follows Evie Von Rathe, a brave young girl on a perilous quest to rescue her aunt, who has been kidnapped by a creature in the creepy town of Blight Harbor. Evie must navigate through seven mysterious and haunted houses, facing a range of spooky challenges, including ghosts and even the spirit of a notorious serial killer. The story blends elements of suspense, adventure, and emotional depth as Evie confronts both external monsters and her own anxiety.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier is a spooky and atmospheric tale set in a creepy old house where two Irish orphans, Molly and Kip, find employment as servants for the Windsor family. As they uncover the dark secrets of the house and its inhabitants, including a haunting tree and a ghostly presence known as the Night Gardener, Molly and Kip must confront their fears and unravel the mysteries that threaten the family's well-being. The book weaves elements of classic children's literature with a unique storyline that explores themes of courage, storytelling, and the consequences of making wishes come true at a cost.

The writing style of Jonathan Auxier in The Night Gardener is praised for its ability to create a genuinely creepy and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book is commended for its strong character development, particularly Molly and Kip, who are portrayed as resilient and resourceful protagonists facing supernatural challenges while navigating themes of family, loyalty, and the power of storytelling. With influences from classic authors like Ray Bradbury and Washington Irving, Auxier's storytelling skillfully blends elements of horror, fantasy, and mystery to deliver a captivating and memorable reading experience.

'Wait Till Helen Comes' by Mary Downing Hahn is a ghost story centered around a family that moves into a house connected to an old church with a graveyard behind it. The story follows the experiences of Molly and her brother Michael, along with their stepsister Heather, as they encounter paranormal events. Heather, the troublesome stepsister, claims to communicate with a ghost named Helen, who tries to harm Molly. As Molly uncovers the truth about Helen's sinister intentions, she must find a way to save her stepsister and her family from the ghost's malevolent plans. The writing style is described as atmospheric, well-executed, and compelling, drawing readers into a chilling and haunting narrative that builds up to a suspenseful climax.

The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn is a spooky ghost story that follows the lives of siblings Diana and Georgie living on the Willis farm. Their world changes when Lissa, a twelve-year-old girl, and her dad move to the farm to become caretakers of the Old Willis Place. As Lissa befriends Diana and Georgie, secrets buried within the old mansion start to resurface, leading to a suspenseful and slightly frightening tale that captivates readers of all ages. The book is narrated from the perspective of a restless spirit, offering a well-paced storyline that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The plot unfolds with a mix of spooky elements, friendship dynamics, and a hint of mystery, creating a perfect balance that appeals to both younger and older audiences. Mary Downing Hahn's writing style effectively builds an atmospheric setting, with believable characters and dialogue that add depth to the story. The book's themes of forgiveness, secrets, and consequences are interwoven within the ghostly narrative, making it a compelling read for those looking for a mildly suspenseful yet enjoyable ghost story experience.

In 'The New Girl' by R.L. Stine, the story follows high school athlete Cory Brooks who becomes enamored with the mysterious new girl, Anna Corwin. As Cory delves deeper into Anna's secrets, he discovers dark truths about her and the sinister happenings on Fear Street. The plot unfolds with teenage drama, dark mysteries, and unexpected twists, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers guessing until the end.

"All the Lovely Bad Ones" by Mary Downing Hahn is a YA horror ghost story that follows siblings Corey and Travis as they visit their grandmother's haunted inn in Vermont for the summer. Unaware of the consequences, the mischievous duo decides to play pranks on the guests by pretending to be ghosts, but their actions awaken real spirits that haunt the inn. As the siblings uncover the dark history of the inn and the restless spirits within, they must complete tasks to help the ghosts find peace and put an end to the haunting. The book is described as a fast-paced, atmospheric, and spooky read that is perfect for fans of ghost stories, especially middle-grade readers.

The plot of "All the Lovely Bad Ones" is centered around the siblings' antics that inadvertently awaken real ghosts, leading to a series of chilling and mysterious events at Fox Hill Inn. The story combines elements of horror, mystery, and history, providing a thrilling and engaging read for young readers. Mary Downing Hahn's writing style is praised for its ability to create a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere while incorporating themes of family relationships, conflict resolution, and character development, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy supernatural tales.

Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley is a collection of ghost stories and cautionary tales narrated by the mysterious Uncle Montague to his nephew, Edgar. The tales take place in Montague's eerie home, with each story featuring young children as protagonists, intensifying the horror elements. The book is enhanced by charming illustrations reminiscent of Edward Gorey's style, adding to the overall atmospheric and spooky feel of the stories.

The book is not only enjoyable for youth but also for adults, featuring short stories with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions. Each tale is linked by a larger narrative that creates a sense of trepidation as the reader delves deeper into the chilling stories told by Uncle Montague. The writing style is eloquent, funny, and coherent, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy horror and mystery genres.

'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' by John Bellairs follows the story of Lewis Barnavelt, a recent orphan who goes to live with his eccentric wizard uncle, Jonathan, and their witch neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman. Together, they uncover a mystery within Jonathan's old mansion, as they try to find the source of the ticking in the walls which leads them to confront the evil forces of the past. combines elements of mystery, magic, and adventure set in the 1940s, creating a spooky yet engaging atmosphere that captivates readers of all ages. The writing style is described as sophisticated, with a good balance of creepiness and humor, making it a delightful and nostalgic read for those who enjoy supernatural tales.