13 Chapter Books With Spooky Fun for Tweens This Fall

Fall is the ideal season for reading stories that mix a bit of spooky fun with adventure. These books are sure to captivate tweens with their mix of mysterious creatures, eerie settings, and thrilling plots. The chill in the air and the sounds of rustling leaves make these tales even more exciting. Whether you love ghost stories or creepy mysteries, these books offer just what you need.

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The Halloween Moon by Joseph Fink

In this spooky tale, Esther Gold is a young girl who loves Halloween, but when strange events begin to unfold in her town, she starts to worry. As she uncovers secrets about her town’s past, she discovers that not everything is as it seems. The mix of mystery and Halloween magic makes this book a perfect fit for fall which was also written in 2020. Fink’s writing brings the eerie atmosphere of Halloween to life with a blend of nostalgia and suspense. Readers will be hooked as Esther’s adventure takes unexpected turns.

The book’s mood is both spooky and heartwarming, with just the right amount of mystery to keep readers engaged. Fink has a talent for creating an atmospheric world that feels both familiar and unsettling. As the story progresses, readers will be drawn into Esther’s investigation, trying to figure out the truth alongside her. The twists and turns keep the story interesting and fun. If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed mystery, The Halloween Moon is a great choice.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Luna, a young girl raised by a kind witch, is unknowingly fed moonlight as a child, which grants her powerful magic. As Luna’s powers grow, she must learn to control them before they overwhelm her. The novel weaves together a story of magic, love, and growing up, making it both a magical and heartfelt read. The book written in 2017 won the Newbery Medal, thanks to its compelling plot and well-developed characters. Its spooky yet heartwarming tone makes it perfect for readers looking for a fantasy with a touch of mystery.

Barnhill’s writing captures the reader’s imagination, creating a world full of magic and adventure. The characters, including the witch and a dragon, each add their own unique flavor to the story. Themes of sacrifice and bravery shine through in Luna’s journey as she learns to control her power. The story explores the beauty of family and the unknown. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a must-read for fans of magical realism with an underlying sense of spookiness.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Coraline Jones discovers a door in her new home that leads to a parallel world, which seems perfect at first. However, the inhabitants of this world are unsettling and want Coraline to stay forever. As Coraline uncovers the dark truth, she must find the courage to escape. The story is dark, eerie, and full of suspense, making it a perfect fall read. Gaiman’s writing brings the creepy atmosphere of the other world to life.

Coraline is a classic that has captivated readers for years with its mix of horror and fantasy. The book which was released in 2022, explores themes of bravery, identity, and the danger of the unknown. Coraline is a strong protagonist who faces challenges head-on, and readers will find themselves rooting for her. The other world, with its button-eyed inhabitants, is as creepy as it is fascinating. This book is ideal for those who enjoy a spooky story with a strong heroine.

Doll Bones by Holly Black

Three friends-Zach, Alice, and Poppy-are drawn into an adventure involving a haunted doll that seems to come to life. As they embark on a journey to bury the doll, they face unexpected dangers. The mix of friendship and spooky events makes this story relatable and thrilling. Black’s narrative delves into the complexities of growing up while maintaining the eerie atmosphere. The trio must confront their fears, both supernatural and personal.

The haunted doll at the heart of the story adds a sense of mystery and unease to the plot. Black’s writing is both haunting and tender, capturing the emotional depth of the characters. The book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and facing the unknown. Doll Bones which was released in 2013, is perfect for readers who like their spooky stories mixed with coming-of-age elements. It’s a delightful and chilling adventure with a strong emotional core.

The Witches by Roald Dahl

The story follows a young boy and his grandmother as they encounter a group of witches who hate children. These witches are plotting to rid the world of kids, and the boy must stop them. Dahl’s dark humor and knack for storytelling make this book both fun and spooky. The witches in the story are creepy yet amusing, and their plan is truly sinister. This book is a classic in children’s horror, blending terror with lightheartedness.

Dahl’s witty writing style adds charm to the otherwise dark premise. The boy’s determination to defeat the witches makes him a relatable and courageous protagonist. The book’s mixture of lighthearted humor and genuine fright creates a unique reading experience. The book was written on 1983. The Witches is ideal for readers who love a good fright mixed with humor. It’s a timeless story that continues to captivate young audiences with its eerie charm.

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

Ollie finds an old book that leads her to a mysterious farm, where strange things begin to happen. As she and her friends venture deeper into the farm, they discover that it holds more than just secrets-it’s full of danger. Arden’s storytelling blends suspense with elements of folklore, creating a haunting atmosphere. The eerie farm setting and the strange creatures that lurk there make this a thrilling read. Small Spaces is perfect for readers who enjoy a spooky adventure with a sense of urgency.

The story captures the essence of fall with its chilling atmosphere and mysterious happenings. Arden does a fantastic job of building tension, keeping readers on edge as Ollie unravels the farm’s dark history. The mix of mystery, adventure, and horror makes it an ideal choice for fans of spooky tales. Small Spaces was written in 2018. It is a fast-paced, chilling adventure that will captivate young readers. It’s an ideal pick for those who like their spooky stories filled with both suspense and heart.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

In this tale set in the Caribbean, Corinne La Mer faces off against mythical creatures known as the Jumbies. These creatures threaten her village, and Corinne must summon all her courage to protect her home. Baptiste weaves Caribbean folklore into the plot, creating a unique and spooky adventure. The book explores themes of bravery, folklore, and the power of standing up for what is right. The Jumbies is a thrilling, culturally rich story with a touch of the supernatural.

Baptiste’s storytelling brings Caribbean myths to life in a way that feels both magical and terrifying. The mix of folklore and suspense makes the book a standout in children’s horror literature. Corinne’s bravery and determination drive the plot, making her a relatable and inspiring protagonist. The eerie setting, combined with the supernatural threats, creates a perfect fall read. The Jumbies is an ideal choice for those looking to explore a spooky adventure rooted in folklore and magic.

Coraline-The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman

This graphic novel adaptation of Coraline brings Gaiman’s spooky tale to life through vivid illustrations. Coraline’s journey into the alternate universe is made even more eerie with the artwork, adding a new layer of intensity to the story. The other world where Coraline finds herself is filled with creepy characters and unsettling surprises. The visual format makes the chilling story even more immersive. Coraline-The Graphic Novel which was written on 2008, offers readers a fresh perspective on a modern classic.

The graphic novel format enhances the suspense, with illustrations bringing Coraline’s frightening journey to life. The eerie atmosphere of the alternate universe is captured in the detailed artwork, making it even more disturbing. Gaiman’s original story remains intact, but the graphic novel offers a new way to experience the magic and horror. Coraline-The Graphic Novel is ideal for readers who love graphic novels and spooky stories. It’s a perfect pick for those who want to see Coraline’s world in a new light.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Bod Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard, must navigate life while facing both supernatural and human threats. As he grows older, Bod learns about the mysteries of life and death while uncovering the truth behind a sinister figure. Gaiman’s eerie tale mixes adventure with moments of deep emotion. The book won several prestigious awards, including the Newbery Medal. It’s a captivating story filled with both spooky elements and heartwarming lessons.

The graveyard setting adds an extra layer of magic and mystery, making Bod’s world feel otherworldly yet strangely familiar. Gaiman’s writing is both haunting and tender, striking a perfect balance for readers. Bod’s coming-of-age journey is set against a backdrop of ghostly encounters, which makes for a unique reading experience. This book is ideal for those who enjoy a spooky tale with a strong emotional core. The Graveyard Book is a perfect blend of fantasy and horror for young readers.

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

Marinka lives in a house with chicken legs, inherited from her grandmother, who is a guide for the souls of the dead. Marinka longs for a normal life, but her grandmother’s job binds her to this mystical existence. When her grandmother suddenly disappears, Marinka is left to navigate the world alone. Anderson’s magical story is inspired by Russian folklore and is filled with adventure and mystery. The House with Chicken Legs is a hauntingly beautiful tale of finding freedom within destiny. This was written in 2018.

The mix of magical realism and folklore brings a unique flavor to the story, making it an enchanting read. Marinka’s emotional journey, as she learns to take control of her life, resonates deeply with readers. The story has a whimsical quality but also delves into heavier themes like loss and growing up. Anderson’s vivid world-building helps immerse readers into a mystical world of spirits and magic. It’s a perfect spooky read for tweens who enjoy a blend of magic and heart.

The Peculiar Pig by Joy Steuerwald

This delightful tale follows a peculiar piglet who feels different from the other animals on the farm. While others try to fit in, the peculiar pig learns to embrace what makes her unique. Steuerwald’s charming story explores themes of individuality and self-acceptance. The book’s sweet illustrations and quirky characters add a layer of whimsy to the spooky atmosphere. It’s a heartwarming story that will resonate with tweens looking for a lighthearted but slightly eerie adventure.

The story is filled with playful language and fun illustrations, which keep the tone light despite the pig’s unsettling uniqueness. As the peculiar pig embraces her difference, readers are reminded to value what makes them stand out. The spooky elements are subtle but add a touch of mystery to the farm setting. It’s a perfect blend of spooky and wholesome, ideal for young readers. The Peculiar Pig shows how embracing individuality can turn something strange into something beautiful.

The Secret of Goldenrod by Jane O’Reilly (2019)

Samantha and her friend Josh uncover a mysterious old doll with a deep connection to Samantha’s family. As they investigate, they unravel long-forgotten family secrets and discover that the doll has supernatural powers. The suspense builds as they realize the doll may be cursed, leading them to face their fears. The Secret of Goldenrod is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The story mixes mystery, magic, and a touch of the macabre in a compelling way.

The novel explores the power of family history and the bond between friends, adding emotional depth to its spooky premise. The adventure unfolds in a quiet, atmospheric town that gives off a mysterious vibe. As the characters uncover hidden truths, they must confront their own fears and doubts. This story is perfect for tweens who enjoy solving mysteries with a supernatural edge. The Secret of Goldenrod is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy creepy, magical tales about family secrets.

The Fear Zone by K.R. Alexander (2020)

A group of friends find themselves in a mysterious zone where their deepest fears come to life. As they try to escape, they must face their own fears and work together to survive. The book creates a thrilling atmosphere, keeping readers on edge as the characters confront their nightmares. Alexander’s writing builds suspense, making the fear feel real and the stakes high. The Fear Zone is perfect for tweens who love psychological thrillers with a spooky twist.

The book delves into the psychological aspects of fear, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking. The characters’ personal struggles with their fears add depth to the plot, making the story more engaging. The book’s fast pace and suspenseful nature keep readers hooked from start to finish. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy spooky tales with a psychological edge. The Fear Zone is a great read for those seeking both thrills and chills.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.