10+ Best Halloween Books for 8-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

As Halloween creeps closer, you might be on the lookout for the perfect spooky reads to set the mood for your 8-10-year-olds. Finding age-appropriate Halloween books for 8-10-year-olds that capture the fun and fright of the season can be a thrilling adventure in itself! Whether you’re after stories that will have them hiding under the covers or tales filled with Halloween mischief and magic, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Halloween books that are just the right blend of spooky and fun for your young readers!

Fun Halloween Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story features a young boy and his grandmother as they battle against witches who disguise themselves as ordinary women, planning to eliminate all children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes humor with a touch of spookiness, perfect for keeping young readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with magical elements and brave characters.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a mysterious door in her new home, leading to a parallel universe that mirrors her own but with sinister differences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating narrative with a strong, clever heroine that encourages bravery and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy creepy, atmospheric tales with a strong female lead.

• The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury, illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Historical
  • Synopsis: A group of children embark on a Halloween adventure through time and space to save their friend's soul, guided by the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a historical perspective on the traditions of Halloween wrapped in a fun and spooky story.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and mythology, or those looking for a Halloween adventure.

• Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Stephen Gammell
  • Genre(s): Horror, Short Stories, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A collection of spooky tales based on folklore and urban legends, perfect for reading aloud or telling around a campfire.
  • Why we recommend this book: These chilling tales capture the essence of storytelling and are great for improving reading skills through engaging, imaginative narratives.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy a good scare and practicing their reading aloud skills.

• Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah Howe and James Howe, illustrated by Alan Daniel
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The Monroe family finds a peculiar rabbit that might be a vampire. The family's pets, Harold the dog and Chester the cat, are on a mission to find out the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and slightly spooky story that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate a mix of mystery and humor in their stories.

Educational Halloween Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Gustavo is a ghost who is incredibly shy and struggles with making friends. He loves playing the violin and eventually finds a way to connect with others through his music.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, overcoming fears
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and finding courage to connect with others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are shy or struggle with social interactions, and those who love gentle, sweet stories.

• Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Sir Simon is a professional ghost who has been transferred to a haunted house. However, he finds that he has to deal with a very enthusiastic little boy who wants to be involved in all aspects of ghosting.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, understanding of job roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and charming book that explores the themes of work and friendship through a unique, supernatural twist.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy humorous stories and those curious about ghosts and the supernatural.

• The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: A brave little old lady encounters a series of spooky items in the woods, but she refuses to let them scare her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Bravery, sequential events, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, repetitive tale that builds anticipation and teaches children how to face their fears with courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories without too much scare and those learning how to predict and recognize patterns.

• At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman, illustrated by Nate Wragg
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Rhyming, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In a playful, rhyming countdown, various creatures prepare for a Halloween bash at the old haunted house.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, rhyming skills, Halloween traditions
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes with a spooky setting, making it perfect for reading aloud and engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love counting games and playful, spooky stories.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. When danger strikes, the group must band together to overcome it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, sequencing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of friendship and cooperation, filled with memorable characters and rhythmic, engaging text.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early elementary school children who enjoy stories about teamwork and magical adventures.

Challenging Halloween Books for 8-10-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the gruesome murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the spirits of the deceased protect and raise him as their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel’s structure is unique, with each chapter almost a story in itself, layered with complex themes of life, death, and growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating, eerie read that offers profound insights into family, friendship, and courage.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy a good ghost story and exploring deeper, sometimes darker, themes.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends embark on a quest to bury a haunted doll made from the ground-up bones of a witch girl. Their journey tests their friendship and forces them to confront the realities of growing up.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex themes of maturation and loss with elements of supernatural horror.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping tale that blends real-life issues with fantastical elements, perfect for readers who appreciate a bit of creepiness mixed with deep emotional themes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are not only looking for a scare but also a story that challenges their understanding of friendship and transition.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings find work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house, which is plagued by a sinister presence that visits the inhabitants at night, changing their lives forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features elaborate Victorian language and a complex plot with mature themes like greed and deception.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a suspenseful, atmospheric read that offers rich descriptions and a compelling moral framework.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and ghostly tales that make you think about right and wrong.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After stumbling upon a mysterious book and hearing a chilling warning from a stranger, Ollie and her classmates find themselves trapped in a twisted alternate reality where they must face their deepest fears.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves sophisticated themes of loss and courage, with a narrative that demands engagement and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines an eerie plot with heart, offering both thrills and a touching exploration of overcoming personal grief.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who like their spooky tales with a side of emotional depth and intricate plotlines.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of witchcraft and executed. Years later, Kara discovers a mysterious, magical forest known as the Thickety that holds the power to change everything.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is dense with a complex world-building that includes a detailed magic system and moral ambiguities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a dark and thrilling fantasy that encourages readers to question the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who are fans of intricate fantasy worlds and stories that challenge their perceptions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than diving into some eerie books perfect for 8-10-year-olds? To make the most out of this reading adventure, here are a few exercises to help young readers develop good habits while enjoying their Halloween reads.

• Set a Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and commitment to reading.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that can be accomplished comfortably.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Decorate with comfy cushions, good lighting, and maybe some Halloween decorations!

• Book Discussion Club
  • What it is: Form a club with friends to discuss the book once everyone has finished reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives an opportunity to share different perspectives.
  • Tips: Prepare some questions in advance to guide the discussion.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps in visualizing the story details.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints to bring scenes to life.

• Act Out Key Scenes
  • What it is: Perform some scenes from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the characters and plot.
  • Tips: Don't worry about getting it perfect; focus on having fun and being creative!

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with a parent or a sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, not only will you enjoy your Halloween books more, but you'll also build lasting reading habits. So grab your book, pick a spooky corner, and start reading!