10+ Best Halloween Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a chill, there's no better time to curl up with some spooky tales. If you're on the hunt for the perfect Halloween books for 10-year-olds, you've come to the right place! Whether your young reader loves thrilling adventures or magical mysteries, we've got a lineup that will keep them glued to the pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Halloween books that are just the right mix of spooky and fun for 10-year-olds!

Fun Halloween Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is mysteriously murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various adventures and dangers within and beyond the graveyard.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends the eerie with the heartwarming, providing a safe way for young readers to explore dark themes. The story promotes courage and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and mystery.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a mysterious door in her new home that leads to an alternate universe. This other world initially seems better than her own, but she soon discovers dark secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that tackles themes of bravery and self-reliance. Coraline's courage in facing her fears can inspire readers to confront their own.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate a mix of suspense and bravery, and anyone who enjoys stories about parallel worlds.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A young boy stumbles upon a witches' convention and learns of their plan to turn all children into mice. With the help of his grandmother, he fights to stop them.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's story is filled with humor and imaginative elements that keep the reader engaged. It encourages problem-solving and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical tales with a bit of mischief and clever tricks.

• Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Stephen Gammell
  • Genre(s): Horror, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: This collection of spooky tales draws from folklore and urban legends, perfect for reading aloud or alone in dim light.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to traditional storytelling and the cultural aspects of ghost stories, enhancing their understanding of narrative techniques.
  • Perfect for: Eager readers who love a good scare and those interested in folk tales and legends.

• The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury, illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: On Halloween night, a group of friends embark on a journey through time and space to save their friend Pipkin, guided by the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical exploration of the history and meaning of Halloween, packed with adventure and historical insights.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about history and enjoy Halloween traditions.

• Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe, illustrated by Alan Daniel
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The Monroe family finds a peculiar rabbit that they suspect is a vampire. The family’s pets, Harold the dog and Chester the cat, set out to uncover the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and humor in a light-hearted, engaging tale that encourages critical thinking and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and a good laugh, along with a touch of mystery.

Educational Halloween Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. Their teamwork is put to the test when they face a fearsome dragon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, animal recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that celebrates kindness and cooperation, with delightful rhymes and engaging illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and magical adventures.

• The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Psychological
  • Synopsis: Laszlo is afraid of the dark which lives in the same big, creaky house as him. But when the dark visits Laszlo in his room one night, he realizes that the dark might not be as scary as he had always feared.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Overcoming fears, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: This book addresses childhood fears of the dark in a gentle, understanding manner, encouraging bravery and self-assurance.
  • Perfect for: Children who might be afraid of the dark and need a comforting story to help them cope with their fears.

• Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: Gustavo is a ghost who is incredibly shy and struggles with making friends. He loves playing the violin and finally finds a way to connect with others through his music.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, self-expression through art
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages children to use their unique talents to overcome shyness and connect with others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are introverted or shy and can relate to the struggles of making new friends.

• Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Thriller, Humor
  • Synopsis: Jasper Rabbit loves carrots until he starts believing that they are following him. Is his imagination getting the better of him, or are the carrots really out to get him?
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: This book mixes suspense with humor, offering a playful take on fear and paranoia that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a good mix of thrill and laughs, and those who enjoy a slightly spooky twist.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After Ollie steals a book, she finds herself trapped in a chilling adventure that involves creepy scarecrows and a mysterious mist. She must use her wits to navigate the dangers that lurk in small spaces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that blends real-world fears with supernatural elements, perfect for young readers looking for a spine-tingling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love a good mystery and are ready for a slightly scarier read.

Challenging Halloween Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of witchcraft and executed by the townspeople of De'Noran. Years later, Kara discovers a mysterious book in the Thickety, a dark forest that borders her village, sparking events that threaten to consume her and her village in darkness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, blending dense lore with morally ambiguous characters and themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly woven plot with a dark, enchanting world that challenges readers to think about morality, power, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Fans of intricate fantasy worlds and stories that explore the darker side of magic and human nature.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, embark on a quest to bury a doll made from the bones of a dead girl. As they journey, the line between reality and the ghostly haunts of the doll blurs, testing their friendship and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into complex themes of growing up, the loss of innocence, and the power of storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hauntingly beautiful story that mixes adventure with the supernatural, encouraging readers to face their fears and the realities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories with depth and a touch of heartache.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London plagued by ghostly disturbances, only young operatives are able to see and eradicate the spirits. Lucy Carlyle joins Lockwood & Co., a small, independent agency, and together they tackle a deadly mystery that could change the course of history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with layered characters and a unique setting that blends horror with detective elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling mix of suspense, humor, and ghostly encounters, perfect for readers who crave action-packed adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of supernatural mysteries.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house and discover that the house and its inhabitants are slowly being consumed by a sinister presence known as the Night Gardener.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is a complex blend of folkloric elements with a deep exploration of fear and greed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric tale that weaves suspense with moral lessons, ideal for young readers looking to engage with more sophisticated themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a good ghost story with a strong moral grounding.

• The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 1) by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Olive Dunwoody moves into an old Victorian mansion and discovers paintings that she can enter, revealing the house's mysterious past and its previous inhabitants who are trapped within the artwork.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines elements of classical art, mystery, and fantasy, requiring readers to think critically about the plot and its implications.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique premise with engaging puzzles and a magical adventure that encourages imagination and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by art, mystery, and magical worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! As Halloween approaches, it's the perfect time to get your 10-year-old into some spooky reading! Not only is reading great for their development, but themed books can also make the experience extra fun. Below are some exercises designed to help young readers develop good reading habits while enjoying their Halloween books. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading time and builds a daily habit.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time, like after dinner or before bedtime, to make reading a relaxing activity.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading the book aloud with a parent or sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Take turns reading chapters to keep it interactive and engaging.

• Book-Themed Halloween Party
  • What it is: Organize a small party where each guest can come dressed as a character from the Halloween book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper engagement with the book and enhances comprehension through role-play.
  • Tips: Use scenes from the book to plan games and activities that reinforce the story.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and strengthens memory and recall.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family or friends to discuss different interpretations of the book.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries in a notebook and review them before starting the next reading session.

• Discuss the Book
  • What it is: Have a discussion about the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions in advance to kickstart the discussion.

Reading can be a magical journey, especially with the right books and habits in place. These exercises are designed to make reading a regular and fun part of your child's routine, especially during the spooky season. So grab those Halloween books, carve out some reading time, and watch your 10-year-old's imagination and skills grow! Happy reading and happy Halloween!