Being both a teacher and a horrorhead, I was thrilled when my Year 5 class asked if I could recommend any children’s horror books to them. Well, these books from my personal collection offer just the right amount of creepiness to keep kids engaged. Let’s take a look at ten of the best horror books for children. Prepare to capture imaginations, send chills down spines and maybe even keep your kids up a little later than usual.
The Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis
9+
A classic in British children’s literature, The Whitby Witches is the first book in The Whitby Witches trilogy. The story follows orphaned siblings who are sent to live with their strange old Aunt Alice in folklore-shrouded Whitby. It doesn’t take long before the siblings stumble upon a world of dark secrets, ancient witches and evil forces.
Jarvis’s writing conjures a tense, gripping atmosphere that draws readers into the world of Whitby. It’s also pretty much a gothic novel in YA form. Expect spectral hounds, nuns on clifftops and secret covens of witches.
Room 13 by Robert Swindells
9+
Room 13 is a classic children’s horror that has been a favourite of schoolchildren for years. My headteacher read it to my class when I was at primary school! The story is set in a guesthouse in Whitby (clearly a children’s horror hotspot) where a group of students are on a school trip. Fliss starts to notice strange goings-on around Room 13 – an eerie room that no one is supposed to enter.
Swindells weaves a tense and atmospheric tale that revolves around the traditional elements of gothic horror. There are strange happenings, an ominous setting and an unforgettable twist. It’s a great introduction to the genre with enough creepiness to keep children hooked without being overwhelming.
The Spook’s Apprentice by Joseph Delaney
10+
The Spook’s Apprentice is the story of young Thomas, seventh son of a seventh son, apprentice to a local Spook. The Spook’s job? To keep the dark creatures of the world – witches, boggarts and ghosts – under control.
Joseph Delaney’s writing is chilling, filled with moral dilemmas and moments of genuine horror. Even as an adult, I got shivers down my spine – it could be the scariest entry on this list. The world Delaney creates is rich in folklore and legend. Perfect for children who are ready for a spooky tale with a deeper emotional core.
Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz
10+
Anthony Horowitz is well known for versatile storytelling, and Horowitz Horror is a killer set of spooky tales. The stories in this collection are chilling, with a mix of dark humor and supernatural elements.
Horowitz Horror is ideal for readers who want a bite-sized thrill. Horowitz’s writing is engaging, with each tale leaving just enough unanswered questions to linger in the reader’s mind long after the book is closed.
The Undying of Obedience Wellrest by Nicholas Bowling
13+
Nicholas Bowling’s The Undying of Obedience Wellrest is a recent entry into the world of YA and children’s horror. Set between a Victorian estate and a local graveyard, the novel is aimed at older readers and draws from the same tension between science, religion and horror that might be familiar to readers of Frances Hardinge’s The Lie Tree.
This book masterfully blends gothic horror with a coming-of-age story, and the atmospheric tension makes it an engrossing read. On my shelf it’s set by novels by Laura Purcell, Natasha Pulley and Elizabeth Macneal, such is its (only slightly) softer take on the modern gothic genre.
The Caravan at the Edge of Doom by Jim Beckett
8+
Jim Beckett’s The Caravan at the Edge of Doom is a quirky, fast-paced adventure with a touch of horror. The story revolves around 12-year-old Harley, who discovers that her family’s caravan is actually a portal to the afterlife. Chaos ensues as Harley embarks on a journey through the underworld in search of answers about her family’s mysterious past.
Packed with humour (the opening chapter – opening line, even – had my class of 7-9 year-olds in stitches), adventure and plenty of frights, this book is a great introduction to the genre for readers who enjoy a mix of scares and laughs.
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
9+
It may not be a traditional horror book but The Arrival captures the unsettling and sometimes eerie feelings of being in an unfamiliar world. This graphic novel tells the wordless story of an immigrant in a strange, fantastical land. Though there are no ghosts or monsters (well…), the book’s surreal artwork creates an atmosphere of unease and mystery.
Tan’s hauntingly beautiful illustrations make the book accessible to younger readers, while the underlying themes of displacement, loneliness and hope resonate with audiences of all ages. It’s a brilliant introduction to the power of visual storytelling and the way art can convey a sense of dread without a single word.
The Skull by Jon Klassen
Well, my 2 year-old has read it. But probably 6+
Jon Klassen’s The Skull is a haunting retelling of a Tyrolean folktale. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy atmospheric, understated horror. The story follows Otilla, a young girl who finds refuge in a remote castle inhabited by a talking skull. While the skull offers her shelter, a lurking danger casts a shadow over their newfound friendship.
The Skull‘s illustrations and themes of courage and trust make it ideal for children who appreciate spooky, thoughtful tales. The Skull is an entrancing blend of folktale simplicity and creeping suspense.
Sabriel by Garth Nix
13+
For readers who love their horror mixed with epic fantasy, Garth Nix’s Sabriel is a must-read. Sabriel is the daughter of a necromancer. She must journey through the Old Kingdom and the realm of death itself to confront the forces of evil.
Nix’s world is dark, rich with magic and filled with eerie creatures that roam the land. While the book leans heavily on fantasy, the horror elements are strong, particularly in the portrayal of death and the afterlife. Sabriel is the first in the Abhorsen series and its sequels are just as good.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
10+
Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is an enchanting and eerie tale that takes place, as the title suggests, in a graveyard. The story follows Bod, a young boy raised by ghosts after his family is murdered. Bod grows older and must navigate the dangers of both the living and the dead.
Gaiman’s storytelling is both whimsical and unsettling, blending the macabre with heartwarming moments of friendship and bravery. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a good ghost story with a touch of adventure and plenty of Gaiman’s signature wit – I think it even tops out Coraline as Gaiman’s best YA horror.
…and we never even mentioned Goosebumps.
This curated list of my favourite children’s horror books offer frights, adventure and enchantment. Whether they’re exploring haunted graveyards, venturing into dark worlds or discovering gothic tropes at a young age, kids will love getting stuck in. Just make sure they leave the lights on!
