21 Halloween Books for Middle Schoolers That Aren't Too Scary

Finding Halloween books for middle schoolers has always been a bit of a balancing act for us, just spooky enough to keep them hooked, but not so scary they can’t sleep afterward.

My son hit that stage where picture books were too young, but full-blown horror wasn’t a great fit either.

That’s when we started building a go-to shelf of middle-grade Halloween books, some eerie, some funny, some just packed with magical twists.

Whether your child loves ghost stories, creepy mysteries, or folklore-inspired tales, this list includes fiction and nonfiction picks that are age-appropriate and genuinely fun to read.

I’ve also added scare ratings based on what worked (or didn’t) in our house to help you find the right fit for your reader.

Collage of Halloween-themed books for 6th graders including The Night Gardener, The Halloween Tree, and Monstrous.

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Spooky Middle Grade Halloween Reads

If you’re looking to make October reading a little spookier, these middle-grade picks are a solid place to start.

Most are best for ages 10 to 14, based on what’s worked in our house. Some lean light and fun, while others have a darker edge, so I’ve added a scare rating to help you choose what fits your child best.

My son’s loved many of these, and honestly, I’ve ended up reading a few myself, they’re that good.

Looking for even more ways to make Halloween memorable? Check out these Halloween ideas for middle schoolers too.

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Scare Rating: 5/10

This one felt more eerie than outright scary, but the atmosphere is incredible. My son liked how it mixed spooky storytelling with history, each stop in the kids' time-travel journey reveals something new about Halloween traditions. The writing is rich and a bit old-fashioned, so I’d say it’s best for strong readers 12+. A great pick for kids curious about where Halloween came from.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

Scare Rating: 7/10

This one genuinely gave us chills. The creepy setting, the strange tree, and the slow-building dread really held my son’s attention (and mine). It’s not gory, but it’s heavy on suspense and has a darker tone. Perfect for middle schoolers who like haunted-house vibes and moral twists, my son couldn’t stop talking about it after we finished.

Small Spaces (Small Spaces Quartet) by Katherine Arden

Scare Rating: 6/10

If your child enjoys a mix of scary and adventurous, Small Spaces is a great fit. My son liked the smart, brave main character and the eerie school trip gone wrong. There’s enough tension to keep them flipping pages, but nothing that’s nightmare-inducing. The scare level builds gradually and ends on a satisfying note.

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan

Scare Rating: 5/10

This one has more of a magical adventure feel than a true horror story. Think Harry Potter-lite with a Halloween twist. My son liked the idea of a secret magical world connected to school life, and the villain was spooky without being too intense. A good option if your reader likes fantasy more than fear.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Scare Rating: 4/10

We listened to this as an audiobook one October, and while it’s not fast-paced, it totally sets the spooky mood. The Headless Horseman part is what most kids remember, but there's also a lot of old-timey language and slow buildup. My son liked the folklore angle but needed some help with the vocabulary.

This book is also a horror movie directed by Tim Burton featuring Johnny Depp.

Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories

Scare Rating: 8/10

This one surprised us, it’s not written by Dahl, but he hand-picked the stories. Some of them are seriously creepy and more suited to teens than tweens. We skipped a couple that felt too dark, but the rest were perfect for reading out loud on stormy nights. Best for 12+ and kids who are ready for classic-style ghost stories with a mature tone.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Scare Rating: 3/10

This book isn't exactly scary, but it has a strong magical tone that makes it a good Halloween-season read. My son was drawn to the mystery behind Luna’s powers, and the gentle tension kept him interested without feeling too intense. It’s great for kids who prefer fantasy and wonder over frights, with deeper themes about love and sacrifice woven in.

Grab our free Halloween bookmarks to color

The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts

Scare Rating: 5/10

This one reminded us a little of Stranger Things, just toned down and more age-appropriate. There’s a good mix of magic, mystery, and friendship, plus enough spooky elements to feel seasonal.

My son liked the group dynamic and the unraveling secrets, and it’s a solid choice for readers who enjoy supernatural adventures with a side of suspense.

Monstrous: The Lore, Gore, and Science behind Your Favorite Monsters by Carlyn Beccia

Scare Rating: 2/10

This nonfiction pick was a big hit here. It’s full of weird facts, fun science, and just enough “gross” content to keep things interesting. My son spent ages flipping through it, learning about vampires, zombies, and even monster-related anatomy. It’s not scary at all, but it’s perfect for curious kids who like the spooky ideas behind Halloween.

Related: Free Halloween word search

The Haunting of Elmwood Manor: A Pekin Dewlap Mystery by Pamela McCord

Scare Rating: 6/10

We read this one together, and while it had some creepy moments, it’s more mystery than horror. The haunted house angle pulled my son in right away, and the mix of ghosts, suspense, and a clever main character made it fun to follow. Good for readers who like haunted settings but don’t want anything too graphic or disturbing.

The Raven: Tales and Poems (Penguin Horror) by Edgar Allan Poe

Scare Rating: 9/10

This one is definitely for older or more mature readers. My son wasn’t quite ready for all the dark imagery and complex language, but teens who enjoy gothic vibes will love it. I’d recommend picking a few shorter pieces to read together, The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven are both solid intros to Poe without diving too deep.

Who Was Edgar Allan Poe?

Scare Rating: 1/10

This biography is a great companion to Poe’s fiction. My son found it really helpful for understanding who Poe was and why his stories are so dark. It’s not spooky, but it gives context in a way that made the literature more interesting and accessible. A great choice for kids who are curious about the man behind the horror.

The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown

Scare Rating: 4/10

This one had just the right amount of creepy for my son, it’s more emotional than scary, and the ghost story is rooted in real history. We ended up talking a lot about segregation and forgotten stories, so it opened the door for meaningful conversations. A thoughtful read with a spooky edge, best for kids who like mystery with substance.

The Book of Hallowe’en: The Origin and History of Halloween by Ruth Edna Kelley

Scare Rating: 1/10

If your child is curious about the origins of Halloween, this is a solid pick, but be warned, it reads like a history book from 1919 (because it is!). My son skimmed most of it, but we used parts for research. Best for older middle schoolers doing projects or those really into folklore. It’s not scary, but definitely full of interesting traditions.

Season of the Witch: A Spellbinding History of Witches and Other Magical Folk by Matt Ralphs

Scare Rating: 3/10

We used this as a way to dive into the history of witches without it getting too dark or gory. It’s well-illustrated and easy to read, with short sections on real-life magical beliefs and famous stories. My son liked the blend of fact and legend, and it helped add depth to some of the fiction he’d already read.

Related: Halloween games for kids

Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween by Lisa Morton

Scare Rating: 2/10

This one is a bit more detailed than The Book of Hallowe’en and easier for kids to follow. My son wasn’t excited to read it straight through, but he liked flipping to sections about costumes and candy. It’s great as a reference or for kids who love learning the “why” behind holiday traditions, especially older middle schoolers.

Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall

Scare Rating: 6/10

This one had strong goosebumps-meets-Stranger Things vibes. The mystery of the kids born on the 13th pulled my son in quickly, and it kept a creepy tone without being too scary. Some darker moments, but nothing over the top. Perfect for middle schoolers who enjoy suspense, small-town secrets, and supernatural twists.

Don’t Read This Book Before Bed: Thrills, Chills, and Hauntingly True Stories

Scare Rating: 7/10

This National Geographic Kids book was an unexpected favorite here. My son loved the fact that the stories are based on real-life mysteries, ghosts, haunted places, and creepy coincidences from around the world. The photos and side facts made it even spookier. It’s just scary enough to make you pause before turning out the lights, but still kid-appropriate. We kept this one to daylight reading only, perfect for middle schoolers who want chills without full-on horror.

The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel: Volume 2 by Neil Gaiman

Scare Rating: 5/10

We read the original Graveyard Book first, but my son actually preferred the graphic novel format, it brought the spooky cemetery world to life visually. It’s eerie without being overwhelming, and the illustrations helped him stay engaged with the story. Great for visual learners or reluctant readers who still want a rich, slightly dark story with heart.

The New Girl (Fear Street, No. 1) by R.L. Stine

Scare Rating: 6/10

This one felt like a big step up from Goosebumps, definitely written for older middle schoolers. My son was hooked from the first few chapters, though some parts were a little intense. There’s mystery, suspense, and that classic R.L. Stine twist. If your reader is ready for something a bit darker (but not too graphic), this series is a fun next level.

The Empty Grave by Jonathan Stroud

Scare Rating: 5/10

Part of the Lockwood & Co. series, this book has a great mix of action, ghosts, and mystery. My son had already read the earlier books, so he jumped into this one excitedly. It’s best for confident readers who can follow a more complex plot, but the spooky elements, smart dialogue, and ghost-hunting crew kept him hooked to the end.

Last Updated on 14 May 2025 by Clare Brown

21 Halloween Books for Middle Schoolers That Aren’t Too Scary

Spooky Middle Grade Halloween Reads

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Spooky Middle Grade Halloween Reads

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