10+ Best Horror Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chill that's just right for a young teen? Dive into our latest roundup of horror books for 13-year-olds, where spine-tingling adventures await! Whether your young reader is a seasoned fan of scares or just dipping their toes into the eerie unknown, we've curated a collection that balances thrill with age-appropriate content. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to keep the pages turning long into the night!

Fun Horror Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Coraline steps through a mysterious door in her new home, finding an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own but soon reveals its dark secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines elements of horror with a strong, relatable young protagonist. It encourages readers to face their fears and emphasizes the importance of bravery and resourcefulness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love spooky stories with a strong female lead and a dash of whimsy.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique setting and a cast of ghostly characters, blending the eerie with the endearing. The book teaches important lessons about growth and the value of community.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy supernatural elements and stories about finding one's identity in the most unusual places.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story is about a boy and his grandmother fighting against witches who despise children and have a plan to eliminate them from the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's ability to combine horror and humor makes this book a delightful read that also explores themes of love and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate a mix of laughter and chills, and stories where children outsmart the villains.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, 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 fears.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a ghostly mystery that captures the struggles of growing up and letting go of childhood. The story is both creepy and captivating, perfect for engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who like their adventures with a supernatural twist and themes of friendship and growing pains.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: After encountering a mysterious woman and a chilling warning, Ollie discovers a world of dangerous scarecrows and eerie mist when her school bus takes a detour on a field trip.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and a gripping plot, ideal for keeping pages turning. It also deals with themes of loss and courage in a way that's accessible to younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy atmospheric horror and stories that blend the real with the supernatural.

Educational Horror Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: This eerie tale follows two abandoned Irish siblings who find work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house that is plagued by a sinister presence: a ghostly figure who visits the manor each night to tend to the dying garden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding of historical settings
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends suspense with a historical setting, offering a ghostly plot that is both engaging and spooky.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and historical settings.

• Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Ghost Story, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Molly and her brother, Michael, have a hard time accepting their new stepsister, Heather, who keeps talking to a ghost named Helen. As Heather's relationship with Helen intensifies, Molly and Michael become caught up in a frightening, supernatural ordeal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: The story provides a thrilling ghostly encounter that also tackles complex family dynamics and the challenges of blending families.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in ghost stories that also explore real-life issues like family and acceptance.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother Taff uncover a mysterious book in the dark and twisted forest known as the Thickety, leading to a series of terrifying and thrilling events.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical decision-making, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling mix of fantasy and horror that challenges readers to think about right and wrong in a world where nothing is as it seems.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dark fantasy and stories that make you question the nature of good and evil.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Horror, Paranormal, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London plagued by a deadly problem of ghost infestation, only young people have the psychic abilities required to see—and eradicate—the supernatural foes. The story follows Lucy Carlyle, a talented agent, who joins Lockwood & Co., a small, independent agency run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving skills, historical and cultural context
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling ghost encounters with dynamic team dynamics and a touch of British wit.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling adventures with a supernatural twist and strong, charismatic characters.

Challenging Horror Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After a horrific family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Jacob journeys to a remote island, discovering the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores the abandoned bedrooms and hallways, he realizes that the children were more than just peculiar; they may have been dangerous, and they may still be alive.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative structure that intertwines photographs with text, requiring advanced comprehension and interpretative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a captivating blend of mystery, historical elements, and supernatural occurrences that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in a spooky story with a deep, immersive world and a unique narrative style.

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Gothic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the late 19th century, twelve-year-old orphan Will Henry chronicles his apprenticeship with Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a scientist who studies monstrous creatures. Together, they undertake a perilous journey to battle a deadly breed of creatures known as the Anthropophagi.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uses a sophisticated vocabulary and complex literary references that require a higher level of reading proficiency.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling, intellectually stimulating read that combines the terror of horror with the rigor of scientific exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a mix of horror, history, and science in their storytelling.

• The Diviners by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1920s, the story follows Evie O'Neill who is sent to live with her uncle in New York City — a city filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. More terrifying, though, is something dark and evil that has awakened...
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates a detailed depiction of the 1920s era, layered with complex themes and multiple character arcs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich historical setting mixed with supernatural horror and a suspenseful plot, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a strong sense of place and time in their horror, with a side of paranormal intrigue.

• Asylum by Madeleine Roux
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Dan Crawford attends a summer program for gifted students, he finds that the dormitory used to be a psychiatric hospital. He and his new friends uncover disturbing secrets about the asylum's dark past, and they start to experience strange phenomena themselves.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex psychological themes and intertwines reality with hallucinatory experiences, challenging readers to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping psychological thriller that explores deep themes of identity and sanity, wrapped in the cloak of a ghostly mystery.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are fascinated by psychology and supernatural mysteries.

• Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
  • Genre(s): Horror, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel collection features five spine-tingling short stories set in the gloomy woods, where strange and sinister things occur, and horror lurks in every shadow.
  • Why this book is challenging: The visual narrative requires interpretation of complex and often disturbing imagery that complements the text, demanding a higher level of visual literacy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely combines eerie storytelling with hauntingly beautiful illustrations, providing a visually and mentally stimulating experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate the art of visual storytelling and the thrill of psychological horror.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Diving into horror books can be a thrilling journey, especially for young readers like you! To make the most of your spine-tingling reads, here are some exercises that can help you develop effective reading habits. These will not only enhance your reading experience but also help you retain and reflect on the creepy content you consume.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you'll read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and can make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress and reactions.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of jotting down notes right after your reading session.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention through discussion and can make reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club or discussion group.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Picture the scenes in your mind as you read through the horror story.
  • How it helps: Improves imagination and helps you become more engaged with the book.
  • Tips: Try to detail the scenes in your mind’s eye, including settings, characters, and actions.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in remembering key events and details.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main events and character developments.

• Predict Outcomes
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a chapter or a significant event.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and keeps you engaged with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them turn out to be right as you progress.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only improve your skills but also enjoy your horror books on a deeper level. So grab your book, pick a cozy corner, and let the eerie adventures begin! Happy reading!