Bite-sized treats for young horror aficionados; best enjoyed on a dark night.
Inspired by the contributions to the genre by Alvin Schwartz and presented by the Horror Writers Association, this anthology features 35 original spooky tales.
Ghosts, graveyards, a fatal disease, a creepy old house: Well-loved horror tropes aplenty are found within these pages alongside new, unusual scares like a haunted washing machine and a terrifying man who is said to capture children out after dark and turn them into umbrellas. While some stories are eerie and some are macabre and gross, others provide heart-pounding thrills. The prolific and popular R.L. Stine goes for funny with a side of spook in his story told from the perspective of a ghost living in a boy’s closet. A couple of stories embrace contemporary life and showcase technology and social media–based horror. Descriptions of race or culture are largely absent; notable exceptions include Courtney Alameda’s “The Weeping Woman,” a spin on the Mexican folklore legend of La Llorona, and “The Painted Skin,” by Jamie Ford, with its Chinese setting and characters. With a wide variety of tones and styles, the collection as a whole has broad appeal, but read cover to cover it can also feel disjointed and uneven. While a couple of stories are more “eh” than “AHH!” there are enough gems to make the anthology worthwhile. Compiet’s ink wash, graphite, and charcoal illustrations are gloriously evocative, adding delicious thrills.
Bite-sized treats for young horror aficionados; best enjoyed on a dark night. (Horror anthology. 9-13)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-06-287767-3
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
A thrilling, action-packed journey filled with heart, bravery, and ghostly exploits.
An ocean-dwelling ghost girl confronts powerful forces.
Graciela is dead. She fell from a cliff into the ocean in a terrible accident, only to awaken as a ghost in an underwater community of spirits—souls of those who have died at sea. Her Guide and friend, Amina, teaches her how to navigate this new existence, from performing duties that make “the living world more bearable by keeping the sea in a delicate balance,” to the rules that protect them from the living. Amina dreams of joining the Almas, powerful spirits who guard the ocean’s secrets from the castle Salemúria, but Graciela is desperate for Amina to stay with her. Meanwhile, Jorge Leon, a boy from a long line of blacksmiths, is trapped by his brutish parents in a life of cruelty. His only joy is crafting whimsical toys from metal scraps. When Jorge discovers a sinister harpoon forged by his treasure-hunting ancestor—one capable of killing sea ghosts—he attempts to render it harmless but accidentally sets off a dangerous chain of events. When Graciela’s and Jorge’s paths cross, they must work together to confront and defeat evil forces. With breathtaking underwater worldbuilding and eerie details, Medina’s latest immerses readers in Graciela’s ghostly realm, and they’ll root for the unlikely duo on their perilous quest. The Balbussos’ hauntingly beautiful illustrations enhance the story. The characters and setting evoke Spanish and Portuguese cultural influences.
A thrilling, action-packed journey filled with heart, bravery, and ghostly exploits. (map, color guide, glossary) (Fantasy. 9-13)Pub Date: July 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781536219456
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An action-packed story of legacy, identity, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico.
Cousins team up for a summer of discovery.
Nico’s summer plans for a family trip from New York to Puerto Rico, where he was born, are upended when his parents decide to stay behind to “work things out”—it will be Trial Separation Number Two. Instead, Nico travels solo to stay with Abuela. He reunites with cousins Kira and Nessie, who are also spending the summer there without their parents. Still reeling from being wait-listed by LaGuardia, a prestigious arts high school, Nico hopes to redeem himself by winning a prize at a film festival with an entry that celebrates the magic of Puerto Rico and could earn him admission. But when the cousins spot a shadowy creature on the island, their project takes a supernatural turn. As they investigate the mysterious presence, they uncover connections to Taíno mythology, deeply buried family secrets, and some very real dangers. With richly detailed writing, heartfelt and comedic dialogue, and an honest spotlight on Puerto Rico’s real-life struggles (including the impact of natural disasters and economic woes), Piñeiro’s latest is a vibrant blend of contemporary coming of age with mythological adventure. Nico’s unforgettable summer is deeply rooted in love for family, storytelling, and the history of a place that is both magical and real.
An action-packed story of legacy, identity, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico. (map, author’s note, glossary) (Fantasy. 9-13)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9781728230559
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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