AdLit.org is a national multimedia project offering information and resources to the parents and educators of struggling adolescent readers and writers. AdLit.org is an educational initiative of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital, and is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and by the Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman Family Foundation.
Scary Stories
As the nights get colder and darker, teens will find it hard to put these spooky books down. From classic ghost stories and creepy folklore to modern and even futuristic tales, these books will appeal to teens who can't get enough of scary stories!
Full Tilt
Age Level: 12-14
Blake is a cautious young man who finds himself in the middle of a nightmare as he is forced to survive seven harrowing amusement park rides in an effort to save his brother. Full of surreal scenes and characters, as well as psychological drama, readers will find themselves spellbound by Blake's battle for his soul.
Skeleton Man
Age Level: 12-14
Molly is left on her own when her parents vanish — that is, until a previously unknown "uncle" comes for her. What did he have to do with her parents' disappearance? Could he be the Skeleton Man of the Mohawk legend that Molly's father had enjoyed telling so much?
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Age Level: 9-12
This collection of folktales and scary stories has been a favorite of fright-loving kids for more than 20 years. These stories with creepy illustrations will be familiar to most adults who attended slumber parties, camping trips, and Halloween hayrides in their youth.
The Tell-Tale Heart
Age Level: 14-16
In this classic, chilling tale from one of our country's greatest masters of terror, our narrator thinks he has gotten away with murder...but the victim's heart may yet do him in.
The Lottery
Age Level: 14-16
It is time for the yearly lottery, but none of the townspeople seem to want to win the prize. In fact, some seem hesitant about attending the drawing but are afraid of the consequences of not attending. What prize could be so terrible to win?
A Rose for Emily
Age Level: 14-16
Emily Grierson is in love with Homer Barron, but is very upset that he has not proposed to her. Distraught, Emily buys arsenic, which some believe she will use to commit suicide. However, Homer and Emily disappear; only the servant goes to and from the home. What horrifying surprise will the townspeople find when they finally go into Emily’s house?
Black Mirror
Age Level: 14-16
Frances and her brother Daniel attend the same prep school. Popular Daniel is a member of a secret society, while Frances is much more of a loner. When Daniel seems to OD, however, Frances infiltrates the society to find out the real story of what happened to her brother.
The Ruins
Age Level: 16-18
Several recent college graduates go to an archaeological dig in rural Mexico. What follows is a suspense-filled, horrific nightmare in the jungle. Will any of them return? Teens will find this book hard to put down until they reach the end of this terrifying tale.
The Last Universe
Age Level: 12-14
The scariest story you will ever read about quantum physics! Gary is confined to a wheelchair, and his older sister Susan must act as his caretaker over the summer. While exploring the maze in their garden that seems somehow connected to Gary's illness, they make a startling discovery.
Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex
Age Level: 12-14
Sometimes the scariest stories are the true ones. After a whale disables their ship, several sailors from Nantucket are trapped at sea in small boats with dwindling food and resources. Readers will cringe at the gruesome decisions the sailors must make to stay alive, but will learn a great deal about the whaling world of the 19th century.
Death Note, Vol. 1
Age Level: 16-18
When a death god accidentally drops a notebook, teenager Light finds it and discovers that simply writing someone's name in the book will cause their death. Deciding to rid the world of evil, Light goes on a killing spree. The violent and horrific premise makes this most suitable for older teens who will find that it reads just like a horror film.
Acceleration
Age Level: 14-16
While working for the Toronto subway system during the summer, Duncan finds a journal in the Lost & Found that leads him to believe a serial killer is on the loose. When the police refuse to investigate the matter, Duncan launches his own investigation, leading readers on a suspense-filled, terrifying journey to capture the killer before it is too late.
Dead Girls Don't Write Letters
Age Level: 14-16
When Sunny gets a letter from Jazz, her dead sister, she's not sure what to expect next. When "Jazz" shows up at their door, it quickly becomes obvious that all is not as it seems. The ending will prove to be a good discussion starter for readers.
Coraline
Age Level: 9-12
When Coraline and her family move into a new house, she finds a mysterious otherworld on the other side of one of the house's many doors. Narnia, however, this is not. The creepy characters of this other dark world lead Coraline on a number of spine-tingling adventures, but readers will be enchanted by Coraline's courage and resourcefulness.
The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch
Age Level: 9-12
Twelve-year-old Tom leaves his family to apprentice with The Spook, whose job is to protect the village from witches, boggarts, and other creatures. When Tom makes some terrible mistakes, he seems destined for a horrific fate.
Martyn Pig
Age Level: 14-16
When his father goes on yet another drinking binge, Martyn lashes out and accidentally kills him. Instead of going to the police, he and his neighbor (on whom he has a secret crush) cover up the crime. Just when Martyn thinks he has things under control, the situation take a dramatic turn.
