10+ Best Horror Books for 14-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 curated selection of horror books for 14-year-olds, where spine-tingling adventures await! Whether you're after ghosts, monsters, or unexplained mysteries, we've got the scoop on which books will keep you glued to the pages, heart racing and all. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to haunt their bookshelves!

Fun Horror Books for 14-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, discovering 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 blends the eerie with the everyday. It's great for young readers looking to explore themes of bravery and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Fans of spooky stories with strong, adventurous protagonists.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is mysteriously murdered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of horror with a coming-of-age story, making it a captivating read that also explores themes of family and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a heart.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work at a decrepit English manor house and discover its haunting secrets, including a sinister figure known as the Night Gardener.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that encourages perseverance and courage in the face of fear.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love creepy, atmospheric tales with a touch of historical setting.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends embark on a quest to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl, leading them on an adventure that blurs the lines between imagination and reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great mix of adventure and horror that tackles complex themes like growing up and the power of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of friendship mixed with a light horror element.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After encountering a mysterious woman and a chilling warning, Ollie and her classmates find themselves caught in a sinister plot involving scarecrows and a cursed farm.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, spooky read perfect for those who love a good scare combined with a fast-paced, thrilling plot.
  • Perfect for: Fans of ghost stories and supernatural adventures.

Educational Horror Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 19th century, this book follows the intense and often gruesome adventures of an apprentice to a scientist who studies monsters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical context, scientific inquiry
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a dark and thrilling tale that combines historical elements with the study of mythical creatures, providing a gripping yet intellectually stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in a mix of horror, history, and science.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara discovers an enchanted book in a thick forest on her island, leading her into a world both terrifying and magical.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of folklore, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a suspenseful and magical story with a strong female protagonist who navigates complex moral dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dark fantasy and stories about witches and magic.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, only young operatives are equipped to handle the spectral threats. The story follows Lucy Carlyle and her team, tackling deadly haunts and uncovering a mystery that could change the course of history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, historical knowledge, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed series opener that combines ghostly hauntings with detective work, all in a uniquely imagined world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling ghost stories and mysteries with a dynamic team of young heroes.

• The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
  • Genre(s): Horror, Paranormal, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the Japanese ghost story of Okiku, this novel follows a vengeful spirit as she punishes those who hurt the innocent—and discovers a strange boy who changes everything she thought she knew about her curse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, empathy, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a chilling yet poignant tale that blends horror with deep emotional layers, offering a fresh perspective on ghost stories.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in horror that explores different cultures and emotional depth.

Challenging Horror Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
  • Genre(s): Horror, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This collection of five eerie and supernatural tales takes readers on a chilling journey through the woods and into the haunting tales that lurk within them.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, utilizing both visual and textual storytelling to create layers of meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends stunning artwork with spine-tingling storytelling, making it a unique visual and literary experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate horror stories with a strong visual component and those interested in graphic novels.

• The Diviners by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: In the 1920s New York, a group of young people with mysterious powers must confront a malevolent entity that threatens the city.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with multiple characters and intertwines various themes such as the occult, historical events, and social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, atmospheric setting in the Roaring Twenties combined with a suspenseful plot and deeply developed characters.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical fiction who enjoy supernatural twists and complex narratives.

• The Call by Peadar Ó Guilín
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future Ireland, teenagers must survive the Call—a terrifying 24 minutes in the Grey Land where they are hunted by twisted faeries.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents a harsh, survivalist scenario that requires readers to engage with a brutal and complex alternate reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, fast-paced story that combines elements of Irish folklore with dystopian themes, offering a fresh take on survival horror.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dark, intense narratives and are fascinated by folklore.

• Asylum by Madeleine Roux
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: A group of gifted teens, attending a summer program at a college, discover that their dorm used to be a psychiatric asylum, leading them into a chilling exploration of its dark past.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story weaves together complex psychological themes and historical intrigue, requiring readers to piece together clues and question reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of a horror story with the mystery of a historical investigation, creating a compelling and suspenseful read.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who are interested in psychological thrillers and historical mysteries.

• Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
  • Genre(s): Horror, Paranormal, Romance
  • Synopsis: Cas Lowood, inheriting the family trade of ghost hunting, encounters a spirit unlike any other, Anna, a ghost trapped in a curse and dressed in the blood she was killed in.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines ghostly folklore with elements of romance, all while exploring complex themes of destiny and redemption.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of horror and romance, providing both scares and emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like their horror stories with a touch of tragic romance and compelling character development.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Diving into horror books can be an exhilarating experience, especially for 14-year-olds who are just starting to explore complex narratives and themes. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of horror books. These exercises will also help you develop good reading habits that can last a lifetime.

• 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 helps in finishing books in a timely manner.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention through discussion and debate.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one online.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Create mental images of scenes and characters as you read.
  • How it helps: Increases immersion and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to close your eyes and picture the scenes.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Make connections between the book and real life, or other books and movies.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and makes the content more relatable.
  • Tips: Keep notes of any similarities or connections you find intriguing.

• Question and Answer Sessions
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story and try to answer them as you read.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and active reading.
  • Tips: Review your questions and answers after finishing each chapter to reinforce knowledge.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read passages of the book aloud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the rhythm of the text.
  • Tips: Choose different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

These exercises aren't just about getting through a book; they're about making reading a more integral and enjoyable part of your life. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you'll find that reading becomes less of a chore and more of an adventure—especially with horror books, where the thrill of the story can make the pages practically turn themselves! Happy reading!