At A Grade Ahead headquarters, as well as our other locations, we know that it’s that time of year again! Time for us to break out the sweaters and apple cider, and, of course, the spooky books. These are books I’ve read over the years that always manifest the unearthly feeling of Halloween night.
Learning to Read?
My parents read these to me when I was little, and now I read them to my little sisters. They’re spooky enough for Halloween, but they all have happy endings and great messages!
- What was I Scared of? by Dr. Seuss
The narrator is haunted by an empty pair of green pants. These spooky pants turn up everywhere he goes.
- The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
Keeping with the theme of haunted clothing, this lady is being followed by clothing that is trying to scare her.
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano
Spookley doesn’t look like the others pumpkins — he’s square while the others are round. But his shape may help him save the day. This is a great Halloween story for the little ones about self-acceptance.
Do you have a young reader who is looking for enrichment? Consider our English program and take a free assessment today!
Middle School
These books are best read late at night — under the covers and with a flashlight. They’re very creepy and action-packed!
- Tomb Quest: Book of the Dead by Michael Northrop
Death Walkers have returned, mummies are waking, and all manner of other Egyptian creatures are suddenly walking the Earth. It’s up to Alex and Ren to protect everyone.
- The Witches by Roald Dahl
A young boy listens to all of his grandma’s stories about witches. That’s why he recognizes the gathering of witches when he encounters them. These witches turn him into a mouse, and as a mouse, he has to stop them before they turn all the other children in England into mice.
- Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
If you read Emily Karth’s fall book recommendations in the blog last year, you may recognize this as the second book in the Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children series. Jacob and his friends have fled their home and are on the run from all sorts of monstrous creatures.
Did you know that A Grade Ahead begins exploring fiction genres, such as horror, in middle school?
High School and Beyond
These are classics that have certainly stood the test of time. They’ve inspired countless retellings, but it’s so much fun to read the original works!
- The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
This is one of Sherlock Holmes’ great adventures! Holmes and Watson unravel the mystery of a supernatural hound that’s haunting the area.
Fun fact: A Grade Ahead high school English students study this book in our program!
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
This book is perfect for Halloween! It’s a classic that has inspired countless retellings, and what’s spookier than vampires?
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This book tells the eerie tale of Dorian Gray, a young man who sells his soul in order to remain young and beautiful. His friend, a painter, watches him descend into cruelty and vice.
These are my favorite books for this season. Have you or your student ready any of these already? What are your favorites? If you have any books you think are perfect for fall, leave your recommendations in the comments!
Author: Grace Heberling, Teacher at A Grade Ahead
