The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman

Reading Level: Grade 6 and up

While his entire family is being murdered by a man named Jack, a small boy crawls out of his crib and down the road to the graveyard. The ghosts in the graveyard adopt the boy, naming him Nobody, or “Bod” for short, and he grows up under the protection of the graveyard. Bod finds treasure hidden deep in the oldest grave, learns how to disappear whenever he needs to, and stops a school bully. While Bod stays in the graveyard, nothing can harm him—not ghosts, ghouls, or assassins—but the man named Jack is still looking for Bod, and what happens when Bod grows up and has to learn to survive among the living?

This book is the 2009 winner of the Newbery Award. It’s a little bit scary and a little bit adventerous, and perfect for those who like something different! There are a wide range of characters, from ghost and ghouls to children and pawn shop owners, and the illustrations are both cool and creepy. Be prepared for some longer chapters, but this is a story to be savored.

All the Lovely Bad Ones

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn

Reading level: grades 4 and up

If you like spooky stories, you'll love All the Lovely Bad Ones! Travis and his sister Corey are spending the summer with their Grandmother in her inn in Vermont. The rumors say it's haunted, but Grandmother doesn't believe it. Travis and Corey decide to pretend they are the ghosts... until the real ghosts awake!

Mary Downing Hahn writes wonderfully chilling ghost stories, and this is no exception. Young readers who spook easily should avoid reading this alone at night, but those who enjoy a bit of a thrill will love the heart-pounding suspense. Travis and Corey are believable mischief makers who readers can connect with throughout their stay at the inn. The remote country setting provides a feeling of isolation, adding to the suspense. Enjoy at your own risk!