reading lists | Musings of the Monster Librarian

Halloween “Chapter Books” for Children and Tweens

In setting out to put together some lists of suggested Halloween chapter books, I discovered I’d already done it. These are a few years old, but classics remain classics. Check these out if you’re looking for Halloween reading for your school-aged independent reader. And if you have suggestions for an update, let me know!

“It Happened At Halloween”” is a list of chapter books with pivotal scenes that take place at Halloween. When I wrote it, I recommended these for ages 10-14, but at this point I’ve read The Egypt Game with my daughter, who is 9, and I think the age range for these books is more like ages 9-12. Your mileage may vary.

“Halloween Scares for Beginning Series Readers” lists mildly scary series books written for independent readers in the early grades and individual titles in a children’s book series that take place at Halloween.

“Halloween Book List for Kids”: This list is sort of a mess, because our “kids” section is for ages 0-12, and obviously there is a huge difference between what a baby and a 12 year old want (at least as far as reading material is concerned). There are lots of titles listed, and these include picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction. Some have been reviewed and some haven’t been. There are plenty of Halloween-related titles here, but there are also books that aren’t specifically Halloween themed that might be fun to read at this time of year. This is actually a different list than our “Scary Books for Kids” page, although some titles can be found in both places.

And a little encouragement here to read with your kid (or any kid) this month, from Spook House Dave and Monster Librarian.

Enjoy!

Summer Reading Recommendations: Staff Picks

As promised, here are some recreational reading titles recommended by our staff reviewers. As always, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Not every book is a good fit for every reader. Just a note- Wrath James White is not for the weak of stomach.

Kirsten’s recommendations: Allison Hewitt Is Trapped by Madeleine Roux and Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore (YA), and the very funny Bad Kitty books by Nick Bruel (children’s)

Michele’s recommendations: The Snow Queen’s Shadow (Princess Novels, #4) by Jim Hines and Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) by Ilona Andrews

Colleen’s recommendations: Blood & Gristle by Michael Louis Calvillo, Bone Marrow Stew by Tim Curran, and Skulls by Tim Marquitz (YA)

Brandi’s recommendations: The Seance by John Harwood and The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein (children’s)

Erik’s recommendations: The Templar Chronicles by Joseph Nassise, Wolf Hunt by Jeff Strand, and Resurrection by Tim Curran

Sheila’s recommendations: The Brain Eater’s Bible by J.D. McGhoul and Pat Kilbane (this has an iPad app as well), and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies– Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith

David’s recommendations: Population Zero by Wrath James White and Fathers and Sons (Blackguard, #1) by Edward R. Morris (David also mentioned his own book, Hunting the Moon Tribe, which came out in April, but I’m sure there’s no self-interest there).

As always, not every book is appropriate for every reader. We’ve reviewed some of these books here at MonsterLibrarian.com, but not all of them, so make sure you check to see that the book you are thinking of reading is really your cup of tea. Have a great summer reading, and check back later for more!