A creaky staircase. A mysterious shadow. For some kids, those spooky noises are a hard no. For others, they’re exactly what makes a story impossible to put down.
Scary books for kids come in all shapes and sizes, from silly Halloween books to spooktacular children’s horror books. They give kids a chance to experience the highs and lows of fear and suspense all within the safety of a good story.
But finding the right level of spookiness kids can handle may be tricky. So how do you know what your child is ready for?
Here’s how to find the right balance between fun and frightening.
Why Do Kids Like Scary Books?
Think back to hearing a ghost story around a campfire or at a sleepover. You were a little scared, a little excited, but no matter what, you knew you had to know what happened next.
There’s something else scary stories can do: get kids talking about fear. Why was that character scared? What helped them feel brave? What would your child do in the same situation?
These questions can lead to surprisingly meaningful conversations about what scares us and the best ways we can handle these difficult emotions.
Start With Halloween Books, Ghost Stories and Silly Scares
Start on the lighter side and let their reaction guide what comes next. Before diving into kids’ horror books, try stories that balance spooky scaries with plenty of humor.
Monster fans can try Hey, That’s MY Monster!, a funny take on the classic monster-under-the-bed scare. Scaredy Squirrel, also available on Epic, follows a character who’s afraid of practically everything outside his safe little tree. His fears give kids a funny way to see that being scared is, well… nothing to be scared of!
Young readers can also try National Geographic Readers: Halloween, a Read-to-Me book that gives an informative, trivia-forward overview on the cultures and traditions behind ghosts, witches and other Halloween favorites through nonfiction.
You’re looking for a little “Ooh!” here—not an “I’m never sleeping again.”
Try Mystery Before Moving Into Horror
Not every kid who loves suspense is ready for horror—and that’s where children’s mystery books can be a great middle ground.
A strange disappearance, a suspicious noise or a haunted house can deliver that “I have to know what happens!” feeling without piling on the scares. Geronimo Stilton mixes mysteries with funny adventures, giving kids plenty of suspense without making things too frightening.
If your kids say they are ready for something a little scarier, you can follow their lead from there.
Explore Middle-Grade Horror When They’re Ready
Middle-grade horror brings darker settings, bigger scares and more sustained suspense.
For kids interested in horror books for middle school, Epic has titles such as Goosebumps Horrorland: Revenge of the Living Dummy and Graveyard Diaries: Shadow Cats.
Kids looking for something lighter can try Ghoulia: Making New Friends Can Be Scary or Scooby-Doo: A Haunted Halloween.
But age isn’t the only thing that matters. One child might love ghost stories but want nothing to do with spiders. Another might enjoy monsters but get upset when an animal is in danger.
Every kid is scared by different things, so age recommendations can only tell part of the story.
Read Scary Books Together
For kids new to scary books, reading together can help. Having someone beside them can make the spooky parts feel more fun than frightening.
Pause to predict what happens next. Talk about the creepy parts. Or break the tension by asking, “Would you go down into that basement?”
And if a book gets a little too scary, that’s okay. Try something lighter next time and keep exploring. Part of the fun of scary stories is discovering that being scared doesn’t have to be so scary after all.
Find Scary Books for Kids on Epic
From Halloween books and ghost stories to children’s mystery books and middle-grade horror, there are lots of ways for kids to explore their spooky side on Epic.
Explore scary books for kids on Epic and find a spooky read that’s right for your reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What age should kids start reading scary books?
There’s no single right age. Consider your child’s interests, sensitivity and response to suspense, along with the book’s age recommendation.
▶ What are good scary books for beginners?
Start with books that mix spooky elements with humor, mystery or adventure. Scaredy Squirrel is one approachable option before moving into creepier stories.
▶ What are good scary books for preteens?
Preteens who enjoy suspense may be ready to explore more middle-grade horror. Look at a book’s themes and intensity as well as its recommended age.
▶ Can some books be too scary for kids?
Yes. If a story causes kids anxiety or sleep troubles, try something lighter and revisit scarier books another time.
▶ Should parents read scary books with kids?
Definitely! Reading together gives them a chance to ask questions, pause when needed and more importantly share in the fun of a good scare.
